Sood A, Granick MS, Trial C, Lano J, Palmier S, Ribal E, Téot L, et al.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Date of publication 2016 Sep 1;volume 138(3 Suppl):248S-56S.
1. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Sep;138(3 Suppl):248S-56S. doi:
10.1097/PRS.0000000000002702.
The Role of Telemedicine in Wound Care: A Review and Analysis of a Database of
5,795 Patients from a Mobile Wound-Healing Center in Languedoc-Roussillon,
France.
Sood A(1), Granick MS, Trial C, Lano J, Palmier S, Ribal E, Téot L.
Author information:
(1)Newark, N.J.; and Languedoc-Roussillon and Montpellier, France From the
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical
School; Home Hospital Wound Healing Network-CICAT; and Montpellier Regional
University Hospital.
BACKGROUND: Telemedicine in wound care is an evolving method of information
technology and telecommunication designed to provide health care at a distance.
Given the visual nature of wound care, telemedicine has many potential
applications within this field. The authors will review the current status of
wound care and telemedicine.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of articles published on telemedicine
in wound care was performed. Articles were selected for their relevance to wound
healing and then reviewed for their discussion on the potential applications,
benefits, and limitations to telemedicine in wound care. The CICAT network data
were reviewed including 5,794 patients between January 2005 and October 2015.
Clinical efficacy and medicoeconomic results were analyzed.
RESULTS: Current literature suggests a myriad of potential benefits of
telemedicine in wound care, often citing increased access to professional
expertise in remote and rural settings, as well as cost savings. The CICAT wound
network in France analyzed wounds, which were principally pressure ulcers (44%),
leg ulcers (24%), and diabetic foot ulcers (8%). Results demonstrated 75% of
wounds improved or healed, a 72% reduction in the number of hospitalizations, and
56% reduction in ambulance transfers to wound healing centers.
CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing demand for assistance from professionals not
specialized in wound healing, facing complex wounds. The goal is to enable the
spread of expertise beyond major medical centers. Several limitations and
barriers to the application of telemedicine in all settings are evident,
including over diagnosis, dependence on a functional telecommunication system,
and various legal aspects. The CICAT network in France provides an example of a
how telemedicine may be of benefit in wound care, although it is important to
note that in other countries, such as the United States, legal constraints and
credentialing concerns may make telemedicine extremely complicated.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002702
PMID: 27556769 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
