[Assessment of surgical teleconsultations in a developing country: two years of experience in Djibouti]. / Évaluation de la télé-expertise en chirurgie dans un pays en développement: une expérience de deux ans à Djibouti

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the influence of teleconsultations on patient management and clinical outcomes in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the surgical teleconsultations by a single surgeon (orthopedist) between November 2009 and November 2011 were recorded. RESULTS: Neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedics were the two most important specialities most often concerned, accounting for 67% of the 157 teleconsultations for 138 patients. The teleconsultations resolved the diagnostic uncertainties in 29 of 37 cases (78%). Advice from the expert modified management in 69% cases. Clinical outcomes were good or very good in 86% of the treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the feasibility and usefulness of surgical teleconsultations in Djibouti.