Healthcare Provider Tips

• When providing service using telehealth equipment, mimic as closely as possible the in-person office visit. Due to T-1 lines and audio-visual quality it is possible to make the patient feel as though you are providing face-to face service.
  
  
• As a consulting physician, the physician is able to walk into the telemedicine room, operate the microphone and camera with minimal training. A nurse is often times present to write orders and assist the physician. Pertinent patient information, recent testing and release forms will be gathered and available prior to the visit.

Tips for a Successful Videoconference

• On the day of the conference, a connection will begin 15 to 30 minutes before start time. If possible, use this time for presenters to experience and practice videoconferencing techniques.
  
  
• It is highly recommended that you use an experienced "video facilitator" if you want to have a professional look and feel to your conference. Facilitators can help with setup of the camera and microphone(s), pan the camera for a more interesting presentation, and to trouble shoot minor problems that might occur during the conference.
  
  
• It can also be very helpful to have a trained or experienced person at each of the remote sites. Someone at each site needs to at least know how to mute the microphone and possibly pan the camera. Both of these are very simple tasks to learn.
  
  
• The video sites' technical staff is responsible for turning on the equipment, making sure it is functioning properly, then shutting it down at the end of the conference. These technicians may be available for troubleshooting, but generally would not server as facilitators (as described above) during the conference.
  
  
• If you are planning on using videoconferencing periodically, you should seriously consider training your own video facilitator.
  
  
• Note that all videoconferencing sites are not created equal. Most sites have a single camera and a single television monitor. A few sites have the ability to show videos, documents/overheads, computer-based presentations, and have more than one monitor. Multiple microphones should be made available for videoconferences with larger groups of participants.
  
  
• If there are not too many participants, it is often helpful to have self-introductions at the beginning of the conference. If this is not possible due to the size of the audience, it is recommended that a "host" at each site speak briefly about those who are in attendance. The facilitator should obtain a list of all sites and ask each site by name to introduce attendees. This enable the introductions to be made smoothly.
  
  
• The host at the presenting site needs to actively attempt to bring in the other sites into the discussion throughout the session. This also helps identify problems with the system. Each speaker should also use this technique. This can be accomplished several times during the conference by using a "role call" approach to see if each site has questions. Remind participants to use microphones when asking questions so that all sites can hear. Remind all sites to mute their microphones when they are not involved in the discussion - otherwise the camera may transmit their signal to all sites rather than the speaker's video signal.
  
  
• When utilizing powerpoint presentations, keep each slide as clean and simple as possible, utilizing a dark colored background with light colored wording. If possible obtain a list of participants and distribute handouts of the presentation via email prior to the meeting. Handouts should be light colored with dark colored wording. If it is not essential to continually show the slide, please switch the camera back to the presenter.