Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Transoceanic Telementoring of Tube Thoracostomy Insertion: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Telementored Versus Unmentored Insertion of Tube Thoracostomy by Military Medical Technicians.
Background: Tension pneumothorax is a frequent cause of potentially preventable death. Tube thoracostomy (TT) can obviate death but is invasive and fraught with complications even in experienced hands. We assessed the utility of a remote international virtual network (RIVN) of specialized mentors to remotely guide military medical technicians (medics) using wireless informatics. Methods: Medics were randomized to insert TT in training mannequins (TraumaMan; Abacus ALS, Meadowbrook, Australia) supervised by RIVN or not. ⋯ RTM was subjectively associated with high levels of satisfaction and self-reported self-confidence. Continued controlled and critical evaluation and refinement of telemedical techniques should continue. Trial Registration: ID ISRCTN/77929274.