Cloud Technology And Capsule Endoscopy: A Single Centre Users’ Experience of Remote Online Video Analysis and Reporting.

Abstract

Background and Study Aims. Telemedicine has progressed significantly in recent years, with newer, more integrated IT systems improving healthcare delivery. The development of the world’s-first cloud-based capsule platform could allow safe & timely virtual analysis of videos from a network of linked hospital centres. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Medtronic’s PillCam Remote Reader System. Methods PillCam remote reader technical data was collected from the capsule endoscopy(CE) database over 8 months. User-reported performance was collect using an online survey. Outcomes included: Overall procedure success, video-upload/report-download rates & speeds, encryption/decryption rates, and user/reader satisfaction. Results: Data from 377 studies encompassing 7 different readers was collected (318 Small Bowel Capsules, 59 Colon Capsules). Overall procedure success was 100% (all videos reported). 2 upload delays occurred (<24 hours). There were no encryption/ decryption errors. 7/7 respondents felt it easy to access & use vs 1/7 for the old system. 6/7 respondents felt department efficiency increased. Benefits included: off-site reading, multisite-conferences. Issues included offsite difficulty accessing other hospital systems. Conclusions PillCam remote reader is a reliable, secure and effective capsule analysis platform and should be incorporated into any CE service development plan.