The Fetal Tele-Ultrasound Project in Queensland

Abstract

The need for access to tertiary centre experts for those living in rural and remote areas of Queensland is well recognised. With an estimated population of 3.3 million people of whom 55% live outside the capital city, Queensland is ideally suited to telemedicine, as it provides a potential opportunity to improve access to specialist care. Congenital fetal abnormalities are the major causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. With only two Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists in Queensland located in a major teaching hospital in Brisbane, the opportunity to use videoconferencing technology to develop a tertiary level tele-ultrasound service presented a challenge - that is, to find a technical and clinical solution to enable such a service. We report on some of our practical experiences and difficulties in establishing such a service.