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Predicate | Object |
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rdf:type | |
lifeskim:mentions | |
pubmed:issue |
1
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pubmed:dateCreated |
1997-12-24
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pubmed:abstractText |
To assess the initial phase of a telecardiology diagnostic service for general practitioners (GPs), we provided 93 GPs in 26 health centres with direct telephone access to a cardiologist, and equipped them with hand-held, automatic standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) transmitters for on-line cardiac consultations and ECG interpretation in their daily practice. Clinical details, reason for consultation and the ECG signal were transmitted from the GPs' practices or the patients' homes. A consultation followed and a full report, including ECG print-out, was then sent to the GP. During an 18-month study period, 2563 consultations were carried out. The system allowed the identification of 479 patients (19%) with urgent cardiac problems and the remaining 2084 (81%) in whom admission or outpatient investigation was unnecessary. Following the study, we distributed a questionnaire asking the GPs to rate the quality, define the use and consider the benefit of the service to their daily practice. We conclude that a telecardiology diagnosis and ECG interpretation service is simple, reliable and efficacious in routine primary care. It offers instant access to cardiac assessment and supports the decision-making process of GPs. A preliminary cost comparison with a conventional referral indicated that a teleconsultation was substantially cheaper. We expect that the future incorporation of teleechocardiography would expand the scope of telecardiology even further and allow comprehensive cardiology consultations.
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pubmed:language |
eng
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pubmed:journal | |
pubmed:citationSubset |
IM
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pubmed:status |
MEDLINE
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pubmed:issn |
1357-633X
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pubmed:author | |
pubmed:issnType |
Print
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pubmed:volume |
2
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pubmed:owner |
NLM
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pubmed:authorsComplete |
Y
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pubmed:pagination |
7-13
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pubmed:dateRevised |
2004-11-17
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pubmed:meshHeading |
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Cardiology,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Cardiovascular Diseases,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Electrocardiography,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Family Practice,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Humans,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-London,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Pilot Projects,
pubmed-meshheading:9375036-Remote Consultation
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pubmed:year |
1996
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pubmed:articleTitle |
Telecardiology: supporting the decision-making process in general practice.
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pubmed:affiliation |
Cardiovascular Research Unit, Edgware General Hospital, London, UK.
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pubmed:publicationType |
Journal Article
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