Randomized trial shows improved screening accuracy in infants, suggesting better clinical outcomes through telemedicine.
Key Points
This research aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of a telemedicine model for retinopathy of prematurity screening and its impact on decision-making.
Data collected on 431 ROP screens from May to October 2023 across Northern Ireland.
Screens conducted by imagers only, combined teams of imagers and ophthalmologists, and ophthalmologists only.
MDT survey with 17 members evaluated the virtual model's effectiveness.
58% of screens completed by ROP imagers with 98.2% sensitivity for any ROP.
100% sensitivity for treatment-warranted ROP and 100% specificity for ruling out ROP.
98% tolerance of imaging screens by infants was reported.