Study: Fixed systems better for remote consultations

Many IT studies look at whether a particular solution actually works well in a particular setting, or gives patients an improved outcome. Recently, though, researchers investigated two different health IT solutions to see which worked better.

The comparison that took place was between using a fixed, hospital-based computer system and a laptop for long-distance consultations. Researchers investigated the question at two stroke centers and 14 local hospitals. What they found was that participants rated the technical quality of the laptops worse. The consultants also complained that the process took longer, even though based on download time measurements, the laptop and desktop systems were similar.

The good news from the study, though, was that consultants didn't have more trouble making decisions from laptops, meaning that mobile consultations are still feasible if a fixed system is not available.

To learn more about the study:
- read this iHealthBeat piece

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