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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Endosc Int Open 2021; 09(11): E1847-E1851
DOI: 10.1055/a-1548-1631
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EndoConf: real-time video consultation during endoscopy; telemedicine in endoscopy at its best

Ulrik Deding  ,
1   Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
2   Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
,
Anders Høgh
1   Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
,
Niels Buch
1   Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
,
Anastasios Koulaouzidis 
3   Department of Social Medicine & Public Health, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
,
Gunnar Baatrup
1   Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
2   Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
,
Thomas Bjørsum-Meyer  ,
1   Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
2   Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
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Real-time video consultation during endoscopy: very welcome but plenty of questions!Endosc Int Open 2021; 09(12): E1863-E1864
DOI: 10.1055/a-1613-5089

Abstract

Background and study aims The aim of this study was to introduce EndoConf, a reliable and easy-to-use tool capable of optimizing clinical care in endoscopy by reducing the number of repeat endoscopy procedures, providing continuous on-the-job clinical education, and allowing a smooth transition to the next level of artificial intelligence-supported systems.

Patients and methods We prospectively developed and improved a real-time conference system (EndoConf). EndoConf enables endoscopists to contact on-demand and in real time experienced endoscopists across other sites. After the initial introduction period, we registered all EndoConf-assisted procedures from our unit (Surgical Department of Odense University Hospital) over a 3-month period (Autumn of 2019).

Results Of 84 EndoConf-supported procedures, 58 were eligible for further analysis. Eventually, 38 calls were made, of which only four were technically of low quality (10.5 %) while three were not answered (7.9 %). Of the 35 (92.1 %) completed EndoConf calls; 24 were referred for endoscopic mucosal resection, six were referred for transanal microsurgery preceded by transrectal ultrasonography and three were referred for multidisciplinary conference, whereas in two cases, the lesion was resected during EndoConf.

Conclusions We found the EndoConf system to provide support that could reduce the number of unnecessary repeat endoscopic procedures while at the same time ensuring avoidance of any hazardous attempt at polypectomy.



Publication History

Received: 12 April 2021

Accepted: 02 July 2021

Article published online:
12 November 2021

© 2021. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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