Provision of telehealth to the Scottish Police College

Abstract

Summary A telemedicine service was established for the Scottish Police College with medical advice provided from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Use of the service from November 2004 to February 2006 was audited. A total of 192 patients presented to the service during the 16-month study period. There were 97 teleconsultations. The remaining 95 patients (49%) were not seen by telemedicine due to technical problems. The complaints dealt with were 68% injuries and 32% minor illness ( n = 97). The outcome of the teleconsultation was: advice alone 76%; referral to a general practitioner 10%; and A&E referral 14% ( n = 97). The treatment advised was: over-the-counter medicine 85%; prescription 5%; and nil 10% ( n = 97). Even with a 24% connection rate, the service overall was perceived as beneficial and the Police College wished to continue to use the service, if the technology difficulties could be resolved.