Effectiveness of telemedicine in the outpatient pulmonary clinic.

Background: Over the past several years, there has been a resurgence of interest in telemedicine. Despite this renewed interest, some health care providers remain skeptical regarding the effectiveness of telemedicine for the delivery of health care.

Objective: The objective of this prospective, crossover study was to determine if there was any difference between care delivered using video conferencing-based telemedicine technology and that given by a traditional face-to-face encounter in a pulmonary medicine clinic.

Methods: Two pulmonologists sequentially examined 40 individuals via video conferencing-based telemedicine technology and by the traditional face-to-face method. Two additional pulmonologists, in a blinded fashion, compared the results for consistency in the history, examination with focus on auscultation of the lungs, diagnostic impression, and evaluation and treatment plans.

Results: Evaluation of patients by telemedicine was as effective as the traditional mode. The telemedicine physician and the physician examining the patient in the traditional manner were able to elicit the same key complaints and hear the same adventitious sounds on auscultation of the lungs.

Conclusion: Telemedicine can enable the provision of high-quality care in a pulmonary clinic setting.