Abstract
Objective. To compare computer-based telecolposcopy with telemedicine network telecolposcopy. Materials and Methods. An on-site expert and local clinician at two rural sites conducted colposcopic examinations on 264 women. Colposcopic images were captured and transmitted to two other experts at a remote location using a statewide telemedicine system and a computer and modem-based system. Sensitivity and specificity, agreement of examination adequacy and management, effects of delayed interpretations, and costs were compared for each system. Results. A greater rate of satisfactory colposcopy results was reported by the telemedicine network (66.1%) compared with computer-based (43.6%) telecolposcopy (p < .0001). Greater rates of cervical biopsy (p = .005) and endocervical curettage (p = .03) were required by delayed telecolposcopy compared with immediate telecolposcopic services. There were no significant differences in sensitivity of detecting cervical neoplasia among the types of the telecolposcopy. Computer-based telecolposcopy cost $28 less per patient than telemedicine network telecolposcopy. Conclusions. Computer-based telecolposcopy may be a reasonable, cost-effective adjunct to on-site colposcopy for evaluating women in medically underserved areas. Synchronous telecolposcopic examination minimizes histologic sampling and improves consultation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 94-101 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Colposcopy
- Cost effectiveness
- Technology assessment
- Telecolposcopy
- Telemedicine
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology