World-Wide Debut of New Telemedicine System
Schofield Patients Get Immediate Access To Tripler Specialists Via New Technologies

By Cynthia Kohuth, R.N.
Telemedicine Clinical Director
Pacific Regional Program Office
Tripler Army Medical Center

On June 14 a new, technologically advanced computer software system, the "Theater Telemedicine Prototyping Project (T2P2)", was installed at the Schofield Barracks Family Practice Clinic as well as the Orthopedic and Dermatology departments at Tripler Army Medical Center. A specially designed software, T2P2, allows Primary Care Managers (PCMs) to consult electronically with specialists at Tripler Army Medical Center regarding the management of patients with dermatology and orthopedic conditions. This is the first time T2P2 has been used in any military medical facility.

CPT Richard Behr, Family Practice Clinic, Schofield Barracks uses T2P2 to obtain teledermatology consult for BreAnna Teeters.

Using computers, special software, digital imaging devices and communication lines (referred to as "telemedicine") PCMs are able to convey an accurate description of a patient's problem to a specialist at Tripler. A complete history and physical exam is electronically sent along with digital photos or X-rays to an orthopedist or dermatologist to obtain timely advice. T2P2 can be used by PCMs to obtain a diagnosis and/or recommendations or to ease the transfer of care from the referring physician to the specialist, if an in-person consultation is needed.

This rapid access to specialists assists PCMs in providing the best care possible to their patients and strengthens their role as primary care managers by enhancing continuity of care. The potential benefits to patients include a rapid review of their conditions by an expert, which may speed up their treatment, instead of waiting weeks for an appointment, and time-saved traveling to Tripler to be examined.

Bottom Center moving Clockwise : CPT Richard Behr, Head Nurse, Phyllis Tanaka, R.N., Jill Goding, LPN, Cynthia Kohuth, RN, PRPO Telemedicine Clinical Director, Mrs.Tamira Teeters with daughter BreAnna Teeters, Dr. Nathan DeWeese.

Once T2P2 is evaluated on Oahu, it could be used throughout the Pacific Rim, where the primary care provider and specialist are practicing in different geographic locations and possibly in different time zones. Access to specialty opinions is difficult and haphazard, and patient transport between facilities is expensive. T2P2 is designed to break down these barriers for military and other federal health care beneficiaries.

To date, seven teleconsultations have been completed at Schofield's Family Practice Clinic. Its value is already being realized by both patients and PCMs. An expansion of T2P2 is planned to include Schofield's Troop Medical Clinic and selected sites in Alaska this Fall.
For more information on this new service, contact your PCM at Schofield Barracks.