The Telehealth Practice of Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing:

Videoconferencing (VC) is the real-time transmission of voice, data, and video images between two or more users at some distance from one another (Noorani & Picot, 2001). Examples include performing assessments and engaging in patient teaching. According to Winters & Winters (2007), VC also allows televistation to occur. There are five different types:

1. teleassessment (active remote assessment)


2. telemonitoring (generally minimally intrusive using sensor and measurement devices)


3. telesupport (goal of the encounter is to provide support for patients and/or providers i.e. emotional support


4. telecoaching (support and instruction for a prescribed therapy are conveyed)


5. teletherapy (actual interactive therapy)
   

Variety of levels of sophistication in these videoconferencing systems are available. (Winters & Winters, 2007)

VC is the most frequently used communication strategy for telehealth applications in Canada (Noorani & Picot, 2001). Health professionals use VC systems for remote diagnosis and therapy, clinical consultations, education and training, and administrative/business functions.

There are a variety of software applications and hardware technologies available to support videoconferencing applications. They can be as simple as using a regular desk top computer and linking into existing telephone lines or as complex as using specialized equipment. Regardless of the equipment there is generally a video monitor, VCR/DVD device, patient examination cameras, microphone and various other attachments to facilitate examination such as an otoscope or dermascope. Microsoft Office live meeting is one software application that has been used in a telehealth application in Ottawa Ontario. Polycom has developed hardware for use specifically with Telehealth applications including screen/cart stations, probes and stethoscopes. http://www.polycom.com/solutions/industry_solutions/healthcare/index.html (examples of telehealth technology- please click on the arrow on the video below. *note: ensure your volume is on)

Samples of telehealth education applications http://www.rohcg.on.ca/education/video-audio-e.cfm (click on this link, several examples available. *Again - click on the back button/arrow to re-enter the blog, we don't want to lose you!)

Other software applications are also available to enhance the videconference assessment process and can be used for specific patient populations. For example Motion Analysis Software is available to assess the patients gait and mobility and assist the provider in determining a plan of care and patient progress.
http://www.medical-motion.com/default1.htm (sample video of motion analysis software- click on video on website, then click on video.)