Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare > Volume 14, Number 3 > Pp. 143-144

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PAPERS

The delivery of a minor injuries telemedicine service by Emergency Nurse Practitioners

David R Miller ^* , Khyber Alam ^*, Susan Fraser ^* and James Ferguson 

^* Department of Emergency Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen; Scottish Centre for Telehealth, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK

Correspondence: Dr David Miller, Department of Emergency Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK (Fax: +44 1224 550 718; Email: drdavemiller{at}doctors.org.uk)

We conducted a retrospective review to assess the potential for Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) to deliver telemedicine advice for minor injuries. Over a one-year study period, 835 patients from 15 minor injury units in community hospitals presented to the minor injuries telemedicine service and were seen via videoconferencing by a doctor at the Aberdeen emergency department. A case review showed that overall, ENPs were considered capable of treating 470 of 788 new presentations (60%). If children under 14 years of age and shoulder injuries were excluded, this figure rose to 84%. Assessment of all minor injuries via a telemedicine network by medical staff is unnecessary. An ENP-led service offers a realistic and attractive alternative.

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