Effectiveness of telemedicine consultation in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Abstract
Introduction. Currently, a significant rise in the prevalence of endocrine disorders is being observed across the regions of the Russian Federation. The diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid nodules represent a serious medico-social burden. Ultrasound imaging remains the primary diagnostic modality for these conditions. The aim of the study — to determine the effectiveness of remote teleconsultation technology during ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland in geographically remote regions of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. The analysis of the results of 574 ultrasound examinations of the thyroid gland (thyroid gland) in subjects and patients of medical institutions on Sakhalin Island was carried out. 140 conclusions were selected from them, from which two groups of respondents were formed. The first group included 45 subjects with an unchanged ultrasound picture of the thyroid gland. In addition, subjects with thyroid abnormalities and patients with pathological changes in nearby organs were included in this group (in order to clarify the condition of the thyroid gland). The second group consists of 95 patients with a risk stratification level according to the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (Ti-Rads) 2,3,4 and 5. Teleconsultations were organized and performed on 91 patients of the second group. In accordance with the methods of statistical data processing, an analysis of discrepancies in determining the level of Ti-Rads was carried out by doctors who conducted the primary study and an expert doctor at a federal medical institution who provided consulting support. The ultrasound signs were studied, in connection with which the level of risk stratification was lowered or increased by an expert doctor, compared with the Ti-Rads level established by the doctor who conducted the ultrasound study. Results. As a result of 91 teleconferences, in 12 (13.2%) cases, the previously determined Ti-Rads level did not coincide with the level set by the expert who provided consulting assistance. Conclusion. The use of remote consultations significantly increases the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid diseases.
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