Virtual Outreach™: Wiki-formatted telemedicine at home and overseas

Virtual Outreach™ is a Wiki-formatted program that facilitates store-and-forward telemedicine in a low-cost, easy-to-use manner. A Wiki is a type of website that allows users to view, edit and maintain content. To do so, the user can simply click an “Edit this page” button and begin to type. It's as simple as typing a text document. This means that users in one location can upload data (text, audio, video and images) in one location so that users in another location can view the same content. When done in a secure format, patient information with supplementing multimedia can be uploaded in one location and viewed by providers (or a team of providers) in another location. Since editing occurs in both locations, comments and suggestions can be uploaded by reviewing providers.

The program started as an initiative to establish follow-up of surgical patients treated during humanitarian cleft lip and palate missions in the Dominican Republic. This initial test showed the program to be easy to use, flexible and cost-effective. Ninety-two percent of patients were able to be “remotely followed” post-operatively. Added benefits of this approach were an ongoing relationship with the host country and an opportunity for learning beyond the brief mission period.

With successful trials of the program overseas, the attention of the program was turned toward our local community. As the program can facilitate bridging the gap between specialist providers and the patients who need them overseas, it can also serve this function for patients who are isolated from care despite their close proximity. Teaming with the wound care specialists at Miami Valley Hospital, the program is undergoing two IRB approved trials to evaluate the effectiveness of Wiki-formatted telemedicine in following patients with chronic wounds.

Currently, we are seeking opportunities to collaborate with other projects, organizations and academic centers to continue to find new and innovative ways to implement this program.

Please take a moment to view our PowerPoint demo to learn more about the program.

For more information, contact:
Justin Fox, M.D., Resident
General Surgery Residency Program
Weber Center for Health Education, Suite 7000
Miami Valley Hospital
One Wyoming Street Dayton, OH 45409

Phone: (937) 208-2177
E-mail: justin.fox@wright.edu