Comparison of a Novel Handheld Telehealth Device with Stand-Alone Examination Tools in a Clinic Setting

Abstract

Background and Objective: Research demonstrates that telemedicine is effective in pediatric settings but little is published to validate the quality of the data acquired by remote peripheral examination devices to accurately inform clinical decision-making.Introduction: The primary aim was to compare a novel Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared multifunctional remote examination device (Tyto) with other stand-alone digital examination devices. The secondary aim was to ascertain whether either device produced images or sounds better able to provide clinical information to clinicians caring for children.Materials and Methods: Otoscopic images and heart and lung sounds from 50 patients of ages 2–18 years were acquired using the novel device and a stand-alone digital otoscope and stethoscope. Data were stored on a secure server for review by physicians (two pulmonary faculty, two general faculty, two cardiology faculty, and two cardiology fellows). Reviewers were blinded and they reviewed images and audio files in a randomized manner. Images and sounds were scored in terms of quality using a Likert scale. Means and standard deviations (and t-tests to compare those means) were calculated. Individual (heart sounds, lung sounds, and otoscopic images) and aggregate scores were compared.Results: The novel device provided higher sound and image quality with less chance of an inability to make a diagnosis than the stand-alone devices. The novel device had a superior mean comparative diagnostic score with a high intra- and inter-reliability of cardiac, pulmonary, and otoscopic diagnosis.Discussion and Conclusions: The novel device outperformed the stand-alone digital stethoscope and otoscope and was better able to provide usable data to support a clinical encounter.

The future of telemedicine visits after COVID-19: perceptions of primary care pediatricians

“…The universal availability of cell phone cameras and the ease of digital communication The reported use of remote diagnostic devices such as Tytocare was negligible. This device has been recently proven to provide high quality sound and images, on par with traditional medical devices [21]. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, the validity of its use by parents has not been demonstrated in a peer reviewed journal publication.…”

Academic general practice/family medicine in times of COVID-19 – Perspective of WONCA Europe

“…Traditional telephone consultations were used by family doctors long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but modern ‘remote’ medicine is conducted through a secure video meeting along with the use of advanced remote technology for physical examination and vital signs monitoring. Digital remote examination tools, such as the digital stethoscope and otoscope, have been incorporated into clinical practice and maybe complementary for video telemedicine solutions [ 20 ].…”

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha impulsado el manejo de la diabetes vía telemedicina

“…El reto actual para los tomadores de decisiones en la implementación y fortalecimiento de los programas de telesalud es precisamente sensibilizar al personal operativo en materia de los aspectos jurídicos, que les den una visión de lo que se puede y de lo que no se puede hacer con el uso de las tecnologías; otro reto es crear conciencia en el personal de salud de que la sobrerregulación traería confusión, que terminaría entorpeciendo o limitando el desarrollo de la telesalud o telemedicina en México 19 .…”

“…Actualmente, ya está disponible en algunos países un sistema de telecomunicación entre médico y paciente, que cuenta con un kit para medición de signos vitales y que facilita la exploración física del paciente (otoscopio, estetoscopio digital), y una App (TytoCare®) que se comunica directamente con el médico y con su sistema de expediente electrónico, facilitando la teleconsulta 19 .…”

“…La pandemia por enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID- 19), causada por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2), ha venido a cambiar radicalmente la atención médica. La diabetes se ha identificado como un factor de riesgo importante para mortalidad.…”