EP01.55: Development of a tele‐ultrasound program for primary care centres

Develop in our region (Chile) an obstetric tele-ultrasound model that can be implemented between primary care centres located in remote areas and without specialist doctors with more complex centres. Primary health care centres meet the following conditions: 1) not having in-person or remote care by specialist doctors, 2) far from more complex care centres, 3) low population density, 4) availability of a midwife trained in performing ultrasounds for primary care, 5) availability of ultrasound machines with digital technology, 6) availability of technological means (video capture cards, computer, internet access, etc.) and 7) management protocols. At established times they were connected with a third level centre with specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialists in Maternal Fetal Medicine. This model was implemented between a tertiary care centre (Valdivia) and 10 primary care health centres located (Porvenir, Puerto Williams, Angol and in the Los Ríos Region). With all of them, a good connection was established, achieving the transmission of good quality “online” ultrasound images of all ultrasound modes and reviewing the images stored in the RIS-PACS of the ultrasound machine. Engineers and technicians also occasionally participate in applications from different companies to solve technical problems with ultrasound machines. This study shows that it is possible to perform obstetric tele-ultrasound between primary care centres and tertiary care centres. Thus, directly advise the execution of ultrasounds carried out by midwives in real time, review the RIS-PACS images on the ultrasound machines, carry out quality control, make obstetric management decisions in a more informed manner, and avoid expenses and risks in unnecessary patient transfers.