[Telecommunication in trauma surgery. Communication networks of hospitals in East Bavaria].

The growing complexity of the performance processes in medicine makes it mandatory that the flow of information is faster and more consistent, especially when the sites of health care are far away from each other. The Regensburg model, a realization of lean telemedicine from a low-cost domain, using PC-based standard videoconferencing systems shows the use of modern telecommunications, especially in trauma surgery. In 203 prospectively evaluated teleconsultations between 15 participants a total of 697 images were transmitted via videoconferencing. In 95% of the trauma cases the transmitted material was judged as at least sufficient. In project-attending evaluations the efficacy of these systems and their use were clearly demonstrated. Savings in transportation costs of up to 4,400 DM per case were achieved. Through quicker flow of information quality improvements for all participants resulted; to some extent considerable costs for health care were avoided or reduced. Based on these thoughts, a new platform of communication will be established in Regensburg as a closed medical intranet for the region of eastern Bavaria.