Telemedicine brings forensic expertise to rural Austria
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Doctors in Austria will soon be able to connect with forensic specialists remotely to better help victims of violence and collect evidence, thanks to a new telemedicine project called Forensic PETRA.
The Medical University of Graz and a violence intervention center developed the system to make expert medical assessment available even where forensic doctors are not physically present.
Doctors will use a mobile technical unit equipped with a screen and camera-equipped glasses to link with specialists in Graz, allowing them to guide examinations and ensure proper evidence documentation. Sarah Heinze, head of the violence intervention center at LKH Graz, explained the goal is to ensure no case of violence goes unrecognized or poorly documented due to a lack of resources. The project aims to provide timely, location-independent, and legally sound examinations for those affected by abuse.
The Steiermark region is funding the initiative with around 640,000 Euros. Forensic PETRA will launch at the Krankenhaus Leoben hospital in early 2027. After an initial test phase, the program could expand to other hospitals that have departments like gynecology, traumatology, orthopedics, ear-nose-throat medicine, radiology, and pediatrics. According to officials, this telemedicine solution represents innovation focused on people and makes expertise accessible.
