DigiGone Case Study 6: Remote Laceration Suturing at Sea

Digigone • May 23, 2019

The value of maritime telemedicine is most easily found in serious but non-life-threatening injuries and accidents aboard vessels. Having a telemedicine kit on board a ship means that a doctor’s care is always at hand, even when the nearest port is hours away.

One such example is of a crew member whose ship was midway across the Atlantic when he slipped and fell, striking his head and lacerating his scalp. He was brought to the onboard infirmary where the designated medical officer contacted their medical service provider with the digiMed telemedicine kit.

Using the various diagnostic tools and cameras, the doctor they contacted remotely examined the injury and conducted a neurological survey of the crew member. With the help of another crew member holding the kit’s remote video camera over the injured member’s laceration, the doctor guided the designated medical officer in cleaning and suturing the three-inch laceration in the crew member’s scalp. The vessel was in rough seas at the time, but with the help of the doctor, the medical officer was able to complete his work successfully. After the examination and suturing, the physician determined that there were no neurological issues. The crew member and the vessel continued on their course, crisis averted.

Without a telemedicine kit, this injury would have certainly required a medivac or an immediate reroute to port. Considering the potential for neurological damage, waiting for medical attention on shore could even be life-threatening in such a case. Telemedicine is immediate. The doctor was able to assess the crew member’s potential neurological injuries within minutes in this case, and guide the suturing of the laceration. Without the telemedicine kit, the vessel would have been redirected to the nearest port with a hospital equipped to handle head trauma, a major expense resulting in lost time for the entire crew.

In this case, the shipping company was able to save between $75,000-$150,000, more than recouping their investment in mobile telemedicine in a single instance. The immediate access to care was also very important to the crew member and his coworkers, enhancing their feeling of safety aboard their vessel. The peace of mind that a telemedicine kit provides is invaluable, especially when an injury on board a ship is treated quickly and expertly through the use of telemedicine.

By Mike Dunleavy February 4, 2025
Telemedicine kits are becoming indispensable tools for home healthcare providers, particularly during transition care medical examinations (TCMs). While the initial TCM is conducted by a physician who generates revenue from the service, the telemedicine kit significantly benefits home healthcare providers by expediting patient registration for their care services. With a nurse or medical assistant deploying the kit, patients can be quickly evaluated and connected with a physician, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are completed more efficiently. This faster onboarding process allows home healthcare providers to register more patients in less time, helping them deliver care sooner and grow their services efficiently. The ability to “bring the doctor” to the patient through a telemedicine kit is invaluable in initiating care seamlessly. Once patients are on board, home healthcare providers can continue leveraging telemedicine technology to improve how they deliver services. The kits enable nurses and medical assistants to perform follow-up visits, diagnostics, and real-time consultations without requiring patients to leave their homes. This capability allows providers to optimize their schedules and visit more patients daily, all while maintaining a high standard of care. The efficiency gained means better coverage, smarter use of resources, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, telemedicine kits help providers build stronger connections with their patients by making care more accessible and personalized. Providers can quickly respond to emerging health concerns, adjust care plans, and ensure ongoing monitoring—all from the patient’s home. This not only leads to better patient outcomes but also boosts the provider’s reputation for being reliable and innovative. By facilitating the registration of more patients and enhancing care once they are onboarded, telemedicine kits are powerful tools that enable home healthcare providers to expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine kits are revolutionizing how home healthcare providers deliver care, enabling faster patient onboarding, enhanced service delivery, and stronger connections with patients. By integrating this indispensable technology, providers can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in care innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your home healthcare services. Explore how telemedicine kits can help you expand your reach, optimize your resources, and deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your care delivery model.
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