Using telemedicine to improve emergency care for children with respiratory issues
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Low-cost, Mobile Telemedicine Platform for Remote Assessment of Children Transported by Ambulance
This study is testing whether using video calls for expert medical advice can help emergency teams better care for children with breathing problems while they are being transported.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05967624 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot project explores the feasibility and acceptability of using teleconsultation to provide remote expert medical advice for children experiencing respiratory distress during transport by emergency medical services. The study involves pediatric patients being transported by the Boston Children's Hospital critical care transport team, who will initiate video calls to a medical control physician for real-time assessments. The primary focus is on measuring how acceptable and feasible this teleconsultation approach is for both the transport providers and the medical professionals involved. The study will not test the efficacy of the intervention but will gather data on user experiences through validated questionnaires.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children in New England with respiratory illnesses who are clinically stable for transportation.
Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory complaints or those requiring immediate life-saving interventions during transport may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the quality of emergency care for children by providing timely expert guidance during transport.
How similar studies have performed: Previous simulation studies have shown high acceptance of teleconsultation among pediatric emergency physicians and paramedics, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children in New England transported by the Boston Children Hospital for respiratory illness from any cause * Clinically stable for transportation \[e.g., need supplemental oxygen, medications, or are stable on mechanical ventilation\] Exclusion Criteria: * Children with non-respiratory complaints * Children whose illness is anticipated by providers to be acutely life-threatening during transportation \[e.g., requiring emergency resuscitation procedures in the ambulance\] * Non-English speaking parents/guardians
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tehnaz Boyle, MD PhD — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tehnaz Boyle, MD PhD
- Email: tehnaz.boyle@bmc.gov
- Phone: 617-414-6382
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.