Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association
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The smartphone simplifies interprofessional communication, and smartphone applications can facilitate telemedicine activity. Much has been written about the steps that need to be followed to implement and establish a successful telemedicine service that is integrated into everyday clinical practice. A traditional and systematic approach has evolved incorporating activities such as strategy development, needs assessment, business cases and plans, readiness assessment, implementation plans, change management interventions, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This "best practice" has been promoted in the telehealth literature for many years. In contrast, several recent initiatives have arisen without any such formal undertakings. This article describes the strengths and weaknesses of two "spontaneous" telemedicine services in dermatology and burn management that have evolved in South Africa. ⋯ These "spontaneous" telehealth services challenge traditional best practice, yet appear to lead to truly integrated practice and, therefore, are successful and warrant further study.
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To enhance the quality of emergency department (ED) care, some rural hospitals have adopted the use of telemedicine (tele-ED). Without a common set of metrics, it is difficult to quantify the impact of this technology. ⋯ The use of clearly defined and standardized measures will aid interpretation and permit replication in multiple studies, furthering acceptance of study findings.
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There have been few trials of interventions to facilitate recovery following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adolescence. To address this gap, we developed and piloted a novel Web-based intervention, entitled Self-Management Activity Restriction and Relaxation Training (SMART), and examined its impact on symptom burden, functional disability, and executive functioning during the month following mTBI in adolescents. ⋯ The SMART program, a novel Web-based intervention, may serve as a self-management tool for adolescents and their parents to assist with the recovery following a recent mTBI.
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A new age in communications began with the entry into use of cell phones and their applications. Cell phones and their various applications must be actively used in patient monitoring in the healthcare system. ⋯ Notification of ALRs through the SMS does not affect length of stay in the PEDOU. Use of this method reduces length of stay of patients who require more rapid hospitalization.
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Background/Introduction: Early telerehabilitation trials with stroke survivors have shown promising results, but there remains a lack of knowledge of what areas of rehabilitation people with stroke are interested and willing to receive using technology. The purpose of this study was to describe the access to low-cost consumer technologies and willingness to use them to receive rehabilitation services among stroke survivors.