Case Report (Precis): Two Telemedicine Consultants Miss Foot Drop: When To See Patients in Person

The Future of Cross-Continental Telemedicine in the Management of Complicated Endocrine Patients and Its Suitability Based on a Case Report

Telemedicine is rapidly evolving to provide increased access to high-quality healthcare, and it has gained more traction during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine was mostly restricted to remote areas, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been adopted by hospitals and its use has increased significantly. In addition, international collaboration has also increased, and we present a case report from Nigeria whereby a patient was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor through telemedicine, and he underwent successful surgery. This case report highlights the opportunity for collaboration beyond borders and for health care professionals to work with developing countries to improve patients’ care.

A Review of Ophthalmic Telemedicine for Emergency Department Settings

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting to emergency departments for ophthalmic emergencies benefit from prompt evaluation. However, Few emergency departments (EDs) have ophthalmologists on call, and eye care provided in EDs without ophthalmic services can be inaccurate.

METHODS

We review the current state of ophthalmic telemedical care in EDs and highlight important considerations when implementing telemedicine in this setting.

RESULTS

Telemedicine allows ophthalmologists to work with on-site emergency care providers to interview and examine patients remotely in EDs, enabling proper assessment of patient history, visual acuity, pupils, intraocular pressure, as well as the anterior and posterior segment. To date, patients' perceptions of this new model of care have been largely positive.

DISCUSSION

The use of telemedical consultations for remote evaluation of patients with ophthalmic complaints stands to improve the quality of care provided to patients and extend the reach of remote ophthalmologists. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of in-person care further highlights the potential for telemedicine to augment existing models of emergency care.