As technology continues to revolutionize every part of our lives, its effect is even permeating healthcare on the open seas, argues Arthur Diskin, Global Chief Strategy Officer, of AP Companies.

Telemedicine, the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through telecommunications technology, has found a profitable niche in the maritime industry, particularly cargo ships with remote itineraries. In an environment where permitting traditional medical care can be limited, telemedicine proposes a lifeline to crew members, confirming timely and efficient healthcare delivery, regardless of the ship’s location.

Life at sea presents special challenges for healthcare delivery. Cargo ships often navigate through extensive expanses of the ocean, far from medical facilities or specialists. Even minor medical concerns can escalate rapidly without prompt attention. In such circumstances, telemedicine may bridge the interval between the ship and shore-based healthcare providers, delivering real-time medical consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.

Case Study Examples

Imagine a scenario aboard a ship where a crew member experiences severe chest pain, suggesting a potential cardiac issue but with an EKG that does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). With telemedicine-equipped vessels, onboard the medical officer can quickly connect with cardiologists ashore for immediate guidance.

Through video conferencing and medical data sharing, the cardiologist can evaluate the situation, provide treatment recommendations, guide the administration of medications until the ship contacts the port for further medical help, and advise as to whether the ship requires to speed up, divert, or just continue to the next port. 

Maybe a crewmember is having extreme intermittent headaches and there are no neurologists in any port on the ship’s itinerary or the next crewmember has a blistering rash the ship’s doctor has never seen.   Another crewmember has signs of unhappiness and has issues he does not want to discuss with the onboard staff he sees every day – a telemedicine psychiatry appointment is arranged.

On a transoceanic voyage, two days from port, a crew member on a tanker sustains a deep scratch while performing maintenance tasks. There is no doctor and there are few medical supplies and expertise onboard. The ship’s most professional crew member (medical officer) can use telemedicine to consult with a shore-based surgeon.

By sharing high-resolution images and important signs data, the surgeon can assess the wound’s severity and provide detailed instructions for wound care and suturing techniques, minimizing the risk of infection and providing optimal healing or instruct the ship medical designee on proper wound management until arrival in the post, possibly bypassing a diversion and decreasing long-term disability for the crewmember.

Remote Healthcare Infrastructure

The ability to even believe implementing telemedicine on maritime vessels has evolved rapidly over the past few years as bandwidth has enhanced and costs have come down through advances such as Starlink. Telemedicine needs a robust infrastructure comprising specialized tools and reliable communication systems. Modern ships are equipped with satellite communication technology, allowing seamless connectivity even in remote regions.

Medical facilities onboard can be equipped with telemedicine stations featuring high-definition cameras, secure data communication capabilities, and diagnostic tools including digital stethoscopes, ECGs, dermatoscopes, and even ultrasound (another future topic). The ship becomes the eyes and hands of the clinician at the other end of the call.

Benefits of Maritine Telemedicine

Timely Intervention: Telemedicine allows timely medical intervention, decreasing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. By accessing specialized medical expertise remotely, maritime healthcare providers can make knowledgeable decisions and initiate appropriate treatments promptly.

Cost-efficiency: Besides enhancing patient care, telemedicine suggests cost savings for ship operators. By avoiding extreme medical evacuations and minimizing port diversions for medical emergencies, telemedicine benefits optimize voyage schedules and reduce operational expenses.  Costly and logistically hard shoreside consultations arranged directly or through port agents may be avoidable as the consults occur via telemedicine.

Crew health and well-being: Crew members spend extended periods at sea, facing occupational dangers and health challenges. Telemedicine supports crew health and well-being by providing access to preventative care, routine medical consultations, and mental health support services, fostering a healthier and more resilient maritime workforce.

A good crew is a happy crew.  Additionally, crew awareness that telemedicine consultation is open in emergencies and for specialty consultation is reassuring and validates the interest of the ship’s operator in the crew’s well-being.

Read Also: Paris MoU conducts Focused Inspection Campaign on fire doors