The acceptability of telemedicine for podiatric intervention in a residential home for the elderly

Abstract

We investigated the use of telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. In an eight-month study, 49 residents of a local 200-bed home for the elderly, who had a potential or active foot problem, were examined via videoconferencing. They were subsequently examined on site. Their mean age was 86 years (range 67–100 years). There were 49 consultations for new cases and 50 follow-up consultations; therefore 99 teleconsultations and 99 on-site consultations were carried out. After 15% of the teleconsultations, an on-site visit was still required for full assessment of the case, as a diagnosis could not be determined. In 6% of teleconsultations there was difficulty in determining an accurate management plan. Telepodiatry was found to be satisfactory in the remaining 79% of cases and 87% of clients preferred teleconsultation to being transported to the hospital clinic. Telemedicine was found to be an acceptable method of providing some aspects of podiatry care to clients living in a residential home for the elderly. It was an excellent triage mechanism, and facilitated earlier identification of and intervention for urgent problems.