A longitudinal study of consistency in diagnostic accuracy of teledermatology tools.

Background: Diagnostic accuracy (DA) is an outcome measure to assess the feasibility of teledermatology tools. Despite ample data with variable DA values, no study has examined the aggregate DA value obtained from the available studies and observed its consistency over a period of time. This kind of a longitudinal study about teledermatology will be necessary to check its usefulness and plan for further implementation. Aims: To observe the DA trend over a period of 15 years (1997-2011). Methods: Only those studies (n = 59) using a single tool for general, tertiary, and subspecialty teledermatology practice were included to obtain the DA values. Studies were graded based on the number of subjects and gold standard comparison between teledermatologist and clinical dermatologist (face-to-face examination). Results: This analysis sought to identify the DA trend was carried out by evaluating 17 store and forward teledermatology (SAFT) based and 8 Video conference (VC) tool-based studies with 2385 and 1305 patients respectively, in comparison with the gold-standard assessment. The average DA was 73.35% ± 14.87% for SAFT and 70.37% ± 7.01% for VC. One sample t-test analysis with 100% accuracy as standard value revealed 28% deficiency for SAFT (t = 7.925; P = 0.000) and 30% deficiency for VC (t = 11.955; P = 0.000). Kruskall-Wallis test confirmed the consistency of DA values in the SAFT (χ2 = 1.852, P = 0.763) tool. Conclusion: SAFT and VC were adequately validated on a large number of patients by various feasibility studies with the gold standard (face-to-face) comparison between teledermatologists and clinical dermatologists. The DA of SAFT was good, stable over the 15 years and comparable to VC. Health-care providers need to plan for appropriate utility of SAFT either alone or in combination with VC to implement and deliver teledermatology care in India.

Experience of Internet-based Video Conferences for Residency Training in Rotation Location

Residents in family medicine often have difficulty of gathering to have a conference when they are sent to different hospitals according to training programs. From 2001, for resident conference of family medicine in pohang hospital and gyeongju hospital, dongguk university medical center, an Internet-based video conference system was used for video conferences. The Internet-based video conferences for the members who work at difference hospitals had the same effects as they gather at one place. In addition, the participants could lower the burden of preparing the presentation, listen to the presentation lively, and have a discussion with questions and answers immediately, enhancing the efficiency of conferences. They also could have a sense of affinity as they talk face to face. We reported this case as the application cases and effects of Internet-based video conferences.

Experience of Internet-based Video Conferences for Residency Training in Rotation Location

Residents in family medicine often have difficulty of gathering to have a conference when they are sent to different hospitals according to training programs. From 2001, for resident conference of family medicine in pohang hospital and gyeongju hospital, dongguk university medical center, an Internet-based video conference system was used for video conferences. The Internet-based video conferences for the members who work at difference hospitals had the same effects as they gather at one place. In addition, the participants could lower the burden of preparing the presentation, listen to the presentation lively, and have a discussion with questions and answers immediately, enhancing the efficiency of conferences. They also could have a sense of affinity as they talk face to face. We reported this case as the application cases and effects of Internet-based video conferences.

Discussion on Shortcomings and Countermeasures of Internet-based Bid of Medical Equipment / 医疗卫生装备

In the application of Internet-based tendering system, some shortcomings have turned up. At the same time, countermeasures in four aspects that should be taken by medical organizations and suppliers are introduced to improve its features of convenience and efficiency.

Discussion on on-line bid of medical equipment / 医疗卫生装备

Internet-based tendering system makes equipment purchase convenient,rapid,effective,economical and fair. This system guarantees the legal benefits of the medical organizations and suppliers to the most. At the same time this article introduces some issues that should be noticed by medical organizations and suppliers when they participate the on-line bid.