Isla McKerrow Johnson and Joseph Shatzel, co-authors of groundbreaking research on travel-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE), share insights on the risks of long-distance travel and tips for prevention, including the use of compression stockings. Sven Olson, Tovah Kohl, Andrew Hamilton, and Thomas G. DeLoughery delve into how telemedicine is revolutionizing wilderness healthcare, discussing tech's role in enhancing safety and accessibility in remote settings. Chris Davis emphasizes the balance between technology and the wilderness experience, highlighting innovations like drones in healthcare delivery.
Travel-associated venous thromboembolism can be significantly reduced by using compression stockings and promoting leg mobility during long flights.
The integration of telemedicine in wilderness medicine enhances patient care through remote consultations and vital monitoring, improving safety in remote settings.
Travel-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses a risk for travelers, notably during long flights. Research indicates that the incidence of VTE can increase significantly after extended periods of immobility, with air travel being a notable risk factor. Studies reviewed in the podcast show that maintaining leg mobility and using compression stockings can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing blood clots during flights. Effective prophylactic measures, such as compression stockings and appropriate medication for high-risk individuals, are discussed as practical strategies to mitigate these risks.
The Role of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are emphasized as one of the most effective means to prevent blood clots during travel. The podcast highlights that knee-high compression stockings can provide a risk reduction of up to 90% for travelers, especially during long hauls over four hours. The effectiveness of these stockings stems from their ability to promote blood circulation in the legs and reduce leg swelling. Recommendations are made for travelers, particularly those with pre-existing conditions or increased risk factors, to consider wearing medical-grade compression stockings during extended flights.
Telemedicine in Wilderness Care
The integration of telemedicine into wilderness medicine presents innovative ways to enhance patient care in remote settings. The podcast discusses various forms of telemedicine, including live video consultations and remote patient monitoring, which provide access to medical expertise without proximity to healthcare facilities. This modernization reflects a shift in wilderness medicine, helping practitioners manage medical emergencies more effectively. The potential for utilizing telemedicine during outdoor adventures is explored, emphasizing its role in improving safety and decision-making in the field.
Future Implications of Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is positioned as a transformative tool in wilderness medicine, with its potential to monitor vital signs and provide real-time health data. The podcast highlights the evolution of wearable devices that could enhance an athlete's or adventurer's safety during expeditions by providing critical health metrics. Innovations such as drones and remote monitoring devices could rethink rescue operations and enhance patient-triage protocols in challenging environments. The discussion points towards a future where technology routinely interfaces with wilderness medicine to enhance overall safety and care delivery.
WMP #26: VTE and Telemedicine
June 2022
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine journal online: www.wemjournal.org
Questions/comments/feedback and/or interest in participating in WMP? Send an email to: wmpodcast@wms.org
Part 1: Journal Club
Title: Travel-Associated Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Isla McKerrow Johnson, Joseph Shatzel, Sven Olson, Tovah Kohl, Andrew Hamilton, Thomas G. DeLoughery
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2022.02.004
CME Available: https://wms.org/members
Part 2
Chris Davis, author of current WEM paper The Intersection of Telemedicine and Wilderness Care: Past, Present, and Future, discusses tech's place in the wilderness.
Audio editing: Tom Conklin (https://www.tomconklinvoice.com)
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