Home support for children with complex congenital heart disease using videoconferencing via broadband: Initial results

Brian A. McCrossan, Brian Grant, Gareth J. Morgan, Andrew J. Sands, Brian Craig, Frank A. Casey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We originally developed a home support service for babies with complex congenital heart disease, in which videoconferencing was delivered via three ISDN lines. We have now investigated the feasibility of using broadband (Internet protocol) transmission instead of ISDN lines. Five patients were enrolled (age range 14-58 days) and 78 videoconferences were conducted over a six-month period. In 70 videoconferences (90%), a successful connection was established at the first attempt. In the last 56 videoconferences a connection bandwidth of 256 kbit/s was consistently achieved. The clinician's opinions of the videoconferences were good. Parental opinions on the videoconferences were very high. There was also a significant reduction in parental anxiety following the video consultations: the median reduction in the STAI score was 6 points (P<0.05) (n = 78). Home support for infants or children with complex congenital heart disease can be provided successfully by video consultations utilizing home broadband links.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)140-142
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare
Volume14
Issue number3
Early online date1 Mar 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 Apr 2008

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We are grateful to Questmark Ltd for financial support.

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