Telepaediatrics and diabetic retinopathy screening of young people with diabetes in Queensland

J Telemed Telecare. 2004:10 Suppl 1:92-4. doi: 10.1258/1357633042614203.

Abstract

We have examined the feasibility of a telemedicine-enabled screening service for children and adolescents with diabetes in Queensland. There are approximately 1400 young people with diabetes in Queensland and only about two-thirds of them are screened in accordance with international guidelines. A regional retinal screening service was established using a nonmydriatic digital retinal camera. Seven centres volunteered to participate in the study. During a five-month pilot trial, 83 of the young people with diabetes who attend these centres underwent digital retinal screening (3.7%). Retinal images were sent via email to a paediatric ophthalmologist for review and results were returned via email. A copy of each participant's results was forwarded by mail to the referring diabetes doctor and the participant and family. The majority of the image files (96%) were rated as excellent or good. Only one participant was identified as having an abnormal result. Participants and their families expressed satisfaction with the digital retinal screening process.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / diagnosis*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / organization & administration
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Queensland
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*