Research for Video Teleconferencing

Telemedicine (TM) is an umbrella term that covers various technologies used to transmit information for health services. TM uses electronic information and communication technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants. In an effort to enhance medical services at sea, the Navy is considering taking TM beyond the demonstration phase by installing the equipment on over 300 ships and Fleet Marine Force units. Because this would be a significant investment, the Surgeon General has asked CNA to determine the cost-effectiveness of the technology. We conducted a cost-benefit analysis on four telemedicine modalities: telephone and fax, e-mail and internet, video-teleconferencing, and teleradiology. These TM modalities can be enhanced with various digitized diagnostic instruments. We also conducted a cost-benefit analysis on the following instruments: dermascope, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, stethoscope, endoscope, electrocardiogram and defibrillator, and ultrasound.