Abstract
In acute orthopedic trauma care rapid communication between the resident and consultant surgeon is important. Teleradiology and internet facilities have been explained for transferring the x-ray images. Advanced technology found to be impractical for many countries like Sri Lanka.
Objective
To determine the applicability of mobile phone multimedia message system (MMS) in acute trauma care to transfer the X-ray images and identify the practical issues related to it.
Methodology
A cross sectional survey was done for a period of 01 yr. Digital photos of X-ray images were taken by using a phone camera and communicated between the senior resident and the consultant. MMS images were analyzed in relevant to the, adequacy of MMS images, quality of the MMS image and relevant area of visualization to reach a radiological diagnosis to decide the acute management plan of the patient. Analyzed the issues related to the processing and transmission of MMS Images.
Results
220 X-rays were evaluated. In 93.4 percent times was able to achieve a radiological diagnosis and decide an acute management plan. In 95% of images area of visualization is adequate. Reasons for poor quality images were analyzed. The external factors that determine the quality of the MMS images were identified. The poor quality of MMS images due to illuminator, blurring and cross bars in the MMS image increases the relative risk of achieving radiological diagnosis by factor 1.09, 3.07 and 1.32 respectively.
Conclusion
The results suggest that MMS images are useful tool to communicate between consultant and the resident to decide the management plan for the patient in acute trauma care. But still the clinical assessment and on site assessment is the gold standard. Multimedia messages can be used to speed up the management process and helpful when there is time distance between the consultant and the resident.
