Telemedicine in the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit

Abstract

The system of telemedical care practised by the British Antarctic Survey has developed over a period of 50 years. It is a system that deals with everyday routine medical problems as well as occasional emergencies. It is tried and tested, but undergoes continual modification. Although the Antarctic stations represent a unique setting, the system has the potential for being adapted to many different situations, wherever there are small groups in remote areas needing medical backup. Initial telemedicine work conducted in the Antarctic has led to projects to improve primary care in Scottish communities some distance from specialist centres. As telecommunication links to the Antarctic stations improve, in future the lessons learnt in UK-based projects can be applied in the Antarctic. The evolutionary process will thus continue.