The first examples of telemedicine, with the telematic transmission of images and instrumental data for remote consultation, date from several years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic generated an exponential increase in the services offered in various medical fields.
The Virtual Ophthalmology Clinic in Bologna is one such example. To understand how this project was created, and the services it provides, we interviewed Doctor Francesca Quagliano, ophthalmologist and Head of the Hub & Spoke Ophthalmology Telemedicine and Virtual Clinic Network.
She explains, “During the first wave of the COVID-19 emergency, normal clinical activities were partially suspended in order to limit disease transmission, and so it became necessary to treat patients in their homes by means of telemedical services. This situation, although critical, provided a unique opportunity to promote the use of digital and telemedical health devices, with countless advantages for patients – especially the weakest ones – suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities.”
She continues, “Bologna’s Healthcare System has now activated a remote reporting service base on the Virtual Clinic model, which lets patients receive answers to their health needs close to home. This approach reduces the number of unnecessary hospital visits, allows more rapid management, and optimizes resources. The project is designed for patients affected with high social impact chronic illnesses, such as ocular complications of diabetes (the number one cause of blindness in working age), age-related macular degeneration (the number one cause of blindness in patients over 65), and glaucoma. It is also designed for frail patients suffering from rare ocular diseases or from multiple disabilities.”
This system optimizes the treatment process and makes it easier for patients to access the services offered by the Ophthalmology Department here in Bologna.
“The hardest part was finding the technologies needed for the project, such as a platform for the display and remote elaboration of ocular diagnostic examinations. Another challenge involved sharing such an innovative project with all of the professionals who care for ophthalmic patients. As in every situation, some people are more open to innovation than others, but everyone quickly recognized the opportunities and advantages offered by this model.”
The Virtual Clinics are equipped with latest-generation devices and avant-garde technologies. Patients can have examinations and diagnostic tests at local health facilities, talk with nurses and health professionals on-site, and receive their report on their Electronic Health Record after elaboration by a specialist on the Hub.
This model is especially practical for people living in outlying areas and for frail patients or people with disabilities, who may find it hard to reach hospitals in the city.
Italiano
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