eyeConnect is a telehealth eye assessment system developed for use by regional emergency department staff. In emergency medicine, most of the problems occur at the front of the eye or anterior segment, requiring a higher level of urgency because of the acute nature of the issues. EyeConnect captures, stores and transmits ophthalmic images and other diagnostic information from a regional centre to ophthalmologists at any site for assessment. The specialist can view the patient information using a web browser, or via the eyeConnect telehealth application, and communicate patient instructions/assessment back to the clinicians at the patient site.
eyeConnect© Telehealth System
Initiative Type
Technology
Status
Deliver
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Sep 2017
Sep 2019
Implementation sites
Mackay and Emerald
Partnerships
Healthcare Improvement Unit
Aim
Provides an opportunity to pilot and evaluate new technologies within 'real world' clinical settings in the Queensland context.
Benefits
The potential benefits of this technology includes:
- eyeConnect will provide ophthalmologists with ophthalmic images and other data for improved initial assessment.
- eyeConnect will improve referral management for further specialist assessment at major metropolitan centres.
- eyeConnect is anticipated to be easy to learn and use for emergency department personnel.
- eyeConnect will provide clear and rapid assessment by opthamologists to regional emergency staff.
- eyeConnect will standardise the approach to regional eye patient injuries and collection of data.
- eyeConnect should be easily tolerated and comfortable for the patient.
Background
This technology was funded through the New Technology Funding and Evaluation Program (NTFEP). The NTFEP funds the introduction and evaluation of new technologies that:
- Are safe and effective
- Provide better health outcomes
- Provide value for money
- Provide greater access to care.
The evaluation findings will inform recommendations regarding the future use and/or investment of the technology within Queensland.
