Imaging evaluated remotely through telemedicine as a reliable alternative for accurate diagnosis: a systematic review

PurposeTelehealth allows for connections between patients and physicians physically located in different places. This communication can be synchronous when made in real-time or asynchronous when the data or files are stored and transmitted for a later evaluation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate available resources for remote patient imaging and its reliability as a diagnostic tool.MethodsA database search was conducted and included articles published in the last five years that evaluated remote patient imaging through telemedicine compared with the standard of care in several medical specialties. The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for study selection.ResultsA total of 1,095 studies were identified after the removal of duplicates. Twenty-seven articles fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found that different telemedicine platforms were used to share photographs and videos of direct patient interaction transmitted via smartphones, medical devices, and tablets. Diagnostic tests, including images of radiographs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and biopsy results, were additionally shared. A variety of images remotely evaluated showed a high or moderate level of reliability in making accurate diagnosis and screening conditions when compared with the in-person patient evaluation as the gold standard of care, (explain gold standard in a one-liner). Moreover, this technique allows for reliable follow up of patients with chronic diseases or for postoperative care.ConclusionsThe synchronous and asynchronous remote evaluation of images through the telemedicine system has demonstrated to be feasible and helpful for diagnosis of acute conditions, cancer screening, postoperative follow-up, and control of patients with chronic conditions. Therefore, the system can enhance patient access to the most qualified and specialized care globally.