Head-to-Head Comparison of Real-Time Video Tablet Platforms for Telestroke Applications

J. Yang¹, P. T. Parikh², J. G. Hentz³, D. C. Channer⁴, B. M. Demaerschalk⁴

¹Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.
²Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA.
³Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, USA.
⁴Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/etsn.2014.34008                

Abstract

Telestroke is an integral platform for physicians to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment to patients with a possible stroke in remote locations. We evaluated the performance of two iPad applications, Clear Sea and Cisco Jabber for potential usability in telestroke. We conducted a single blind study wherein 15 volunteers underwent 4 separate assessments using abbreviated versions of the National Institutes of Health on-site and off-site, each using Cisco Jabber and Clear Sea. Both volunteer and investigator surveys were collected. Perceptions and usability of each application were measured by grading each variable on a score of 1 - 5 on the Likert scale. The Cisco Jabber mean (±SD) total score was 4.15 ± 0.78 versus 3.88 ± 0.82 for Clear Sea (P = 0.18) indicating 91% probability that Jabber was superior to Clear Sea. A sample of 60 volunteers would have 80% power. The maximum difference was noted in image quality, where Cisco Jabber scored 3.93 ± 0.82 and Clear Sea scored 3.60 ± 0.78 (P = 0.13). Since the directionality of the experiment was not predetermined, a two-tailed pared t-test was used to arrive at a conclusion. With the statistical results shown above we concluded that there was a modest preference for Cisco Jabber over Clear Sea, but a larger trial with stroke patients was still warranted.

Keywords

Telestroke, Telemedicine, Delivery of Healthcare, Internet, Mobile Health, Cisco Jabber, Clear Sea, Tablet, iPad

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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