6 / 16
Page 16
Notes:
Journal of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience | Volume: 03
8
th
International Conference on
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS,
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND STROKE
&
International Conference on
NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY
December 04-05, Dubai, UAE
Joint event on
J Neurol Clin Neurosci, Volume: 03
The significance of telemedicine network for neurosurgery in Slovenia
Tomaz Velnar
University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
T
he number of invasive procedures in medicine is
increasing, as is the employment of new technological
achievements. In the era of information-communication
technology, one such achievement is also the telemedicine
network. Telemedicine is defined as use of medical
data, mostly in emergencies, which emergency services
are sharing between themselves by using electronic
communication and with the purpose to improve
healthcare, health and educational services in outpatient
and emergency situations. In Slovenia, it is known as the
Telekap (TeleStroke) network, whichwas primarily designed
for fast and efficient management of stroke patients. The
Telekap has been considered to provide any patient with
symptoms and signs consistent with acute neurosurgical
pathology a quick expert clinical evaluation, a review of
diagnostic finings, a diagnosis, decisionmaking, emergency
treatment recommendations and postoperative advice.
In the neurosurgical community, the system is frequently
used also for conveying vital information regarding
subarachnoid haemorrhage and trauma. Particularly in
neurosurgical emergencies, this communication system
offers thorough information about the extent and location
of the bleeding and facilitates the preoperative planning
of the neurosurgical intervention. Numerous factors
have all contributed to optimal conditions for Telekap
implementation in Slovenia, including the opportunity
to improve access and quality of care, narrow window of
time frame and treatment efficacy, the resources required
for ground and helicopter medical transportation and
the expansions and improvements of the medical care
dedicated information-communication technology. As a
result, the Telekap is being used extensively in the national
health care and it use is still rising. From our experience
so far, the system should be expanded to other neuro-
centres as well to all neurosurgery departments in order
to facilitate patient management, their acute hospital care
and inter-speciality collaboration.
Biography
Tomaz Velnar, MD, PhD is a neurosurgeon and assistant professor
at Ljubljana Medical Centre. He is involved in tumour and vascular
neurosurgery, as well as paediatric pathology, especially spina bifida
operations, neuroendoscopy and craniosynostoses. He is also active in
research, covering both preclinical and clinical fields.
e:
tvelnar@hotmail.com