The camera phone: a novel aid in urologic practice.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a novel use of the camera phone for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective collection and transmission of medical data in the urologic setting.

METHODS

We used camera phones (Verizon VGA and Sanyo-Sprint PCS) with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels to capture images in the operating room, as well as in the outpatient clinic. Images were obtained directly from the monitor or the x-ray viewing box. These were then immediately transmitted to the office computer through a secure Internet connection. The images were then incorporated into operative and office notes, as needed.

RESULTS

The images obtained with this method were of adequate quality for demonstration purposes, with the added advantage of allowing secure transmission and storage. The best-quality images were those obtained directly from the x-ray viewing box or from a liquid crystal display monitor. In addition, the images could be edited and labels added with the aid of the software that came with the camera phone.

CONCLUSIONS

This method allows the acquisition of fair-quality digital images of surgical procedures and radiographic studies with simultaneous data transmission and storage for clinical documentation. The technology reduced costs and increased the efficiency of our practice considerably.