Proof of Concept of Telemedicine-Assisted Abdominal Ultrasound Examinations to Improve the Quality of Patient Care in Rural Areas

Abstract

(1) Background: Unclear sonographic findings without adequate specialist expertise in abdominal ultrasound (AU) may harm patients in rural areas, due to overlooked diagnoses, unnecessary additional imaging (e.g., CT scan), and/or patient transport to referral expert centers. Appropriate telemedical sonography assistance could lead to corresponding savings. (2) Methods: The study was designed as a randomized trial. Selected study centers performed AU with the best local expertise. Patients were selected and monitored according to the indication that they required AU. The study depicted three basic scenarios. Group 1 corresponds to the telemedically assisted cohort, group 2 corresponds to the non-telemedically assisted cohort, and group 3 corresponds to a telemedically supported cohort for teaching purposes. The target case number of all three groups was 400 patients (20 calculated dropouts included). (3) Discussion: This study might help to clarify whether telemedicine-assisted ultrasound by a qualified expert is non-inferior to presence sonography concerning technical success and whether one of the interventions is superior in terms of efficacy and safety in one or more secondary endpoints. Randomization was provided, as every patient who needed an AU was included and then randomized to one of the groups. The third group consisted of a lower number of patients who were selected from group 1 or 2 for teaching purposes in case of rare diseases or findings. (4) Conclusions: The study investigates whether there are benefits of telemedical ultrasound for patients, medical staff, and the health care system.