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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A pilot study of usefulness of clinician-patient videoconferencing for making routine medical decisions in the nursing home.

OBJECTIVES: To pilot and assess the role of videoconferencing in clinicians' medical decision-making and their interactions with nursing home residents (NHRs). DESIGN: Paired virtual and bedside examinations. Face-to-face (FTF) examination of NHRs by off-site clinicians immediately followed videoconferencing between the same clinician-NHR pair. SETTING: A 240-bed, county-managed, urban nursing home. PARTICIPANTS: NHRs (n=35) and clinicians (n=3) receiving or providing routine care between 2002 and 2003. MEASUREMENTS: Orders generated by clinicians, clinicians' ratings of videoconferencing, and coded review of video encounters. After both examinations, clinicians rated the encounters and generated orders necessary for NHRs. Orders were categorized and counted according to timing (before or after the FTF visit). Clinician-NHR interactions were assessed using coding videos with a 31-item instrument. RESULTS: For 71% of the encounters, clinicians stated that videoconferencing facilitated their assessment. Difficulties included sound quality (19%) and participants' familiarity with videoconferencing (7%). Although NHRs were alert in 50% of encounters, 62% of alert NHRs did not indicate understanding of the recommended treatment. CONCLUSION: FTF examination was superior for most assessments, but videoconferencing was judged to be valuable, especially for wound care. Even when NHRs were alert, informed medical decision-making by NHRs with their clinicians was limited. Enhancing videoconferencing quality and providing more training about informed decision-making using videoconferencing might improve the effectiveness of the technology.

Adult↗

Attitudes to the use of videoconferencing in general and specialist psychiatric services.

Mental health professionals and support staff were invited to complete a questionnaire about their experience of using videoconferencing. Our hypotheses were that mental health professionals in the UK do not have access to videoconferencing and do not believe that videoconferencing is appropriate for their work. Of the 134 people who completed and returned a questionnaire, 78 worked in deaf mental health services and 56 worked in general mental health services. The majority were nurses (n = 33) or psychologists (n = 30). A total of 109 respondents (81%) knew what videoconferencing was, but only 16 respondents (12%) had ever used it. The majority of the 32 respondents who knew the location of their nearest videoconferencing facility said that it could be accessed in less than 30 min. The 16 people who had previously used videoconferencing identified four different benefits of videoconferencing and eight different drawbacks. We conclude that mental health staff did not have adequate knowledge of, or access to, videoconferencing.

Adolescent↗

Use of videoconferencing for depression research: enrollment, retention, and patient satisfaction.

The goal of this study was to describe the effects of using videoconferencing on participant enrollment, research measure administration and responses, study retention, and satisfaction. We recruited 400 patients from the Portland Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinics for a randomized clinical trial of a care management intervention for depression. Patients recruited from distant clinic sites had the option of traveling to Portland, Oregon, for initial interviews or being interviewed using videoconferencing. Interviews included obtaining informed consent and administration of research measures. Remote participants were subsequently asked to complete a 12-item mail survey regarding the interview. There were no significant problems with the process of interviewing and obtaining informed consent by videoconferencing, as reported by patients and clinic staff. Twenty of the 31 participants interviewed by videoconferencing returned the satisfaction questionnaire. Participants indicated a high degree of satisfaction with these interviews, and expressed willingness to recommend videoconferencing to others. No differences were observed between the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scores of videoconferencing and in-person participants, and there was no significant difference in the 6-month rate of loss to follow-up in the randomized trial. Videoconferencing allows patients in rural and remote locations to participate in psychiatric research and expands sources of recruitment for research projects.

Depression↗

Videoconferencing in family therapy: a review.

Videoconferencing is used in psychiatry for various purposes. There is a need for research on videoconferencing in family therapy, as there are hardly any reports on the topic: in a literature search, we found only four references to family therapy and videoconferencing. In the Department of Psychiatry at Oulu University Hospital, the use of videoconferencing has steadily increased over the last few years, and in 2002 the equipment was used for 600 hours, of which 84 hours (14%) involved consultation and 12 hours (2%) family therapy. We postulate that the use of videoconferencing for family therapy will incur various restrictions, but may also open up new opportunities. Videoconferencing may allow people in remote regions to benefit from family therapy services. Using modern equipment, it is possible to attain television broadcast quality in a videoconference, but we do not know the effect of videoconferenced delivery on the outcome of therapy. It will therefore be important to collect systematic data on family therapy delivered via videoconference.

Communication↗

Supporting families of critically ill children at home using videoconferencing.

Home videoconferencing links for families of children recently discharged with complex congenital heart disease may be useful in monitoring potentially unstable patients. A randomized controlled trial was carried out comparing home videoconferencing with telephone contact. Patients were randomized to an interventional videoconferencing group (n = 14), or to one of two control groups: the first (n = 9) received the same ad hoc telephone support that was available to all patients; the second group (n = 13) received regular telephone calls with the same protocol as those in the videoconferencing group. The results from the trial are still being analysed. Our experience with commercial cable modem transmission quickly showed that this is an unsuitable modality. Preliminary results with ISDN videoconferencing are encouraging. Initial results and feedback from families strongly suggest that videoconferencing provides significant benefits over telephone follow-up.

Child↗

Videoconferencing for practice-based small-group continuing medical education: feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost.

INTRODUCTION: Small-group, practice-based learning is an effective and well-accepted method of continuing medical education (CME). However, one limitation is that many physicians work in communities with fewer than the minimum number recommended for an effective learning group. Videoconferencing has the potential to remove this limitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost of conducting practice-based, small-group CME learning by videoconference. METHODS: Through a videoconferencing link, 10 learners in three communities were guided through four practice-based learning modules by a trained facilitator at a fourth site. Data were collected through evaluation questionnaires, direct observation by the research team, pre- and post-knowledge tests, a focus group, and an interview. RESULTS: A total of 31 learners participated in the four modules. Videoconferencing was generally well accepted by learners. The facilitator and research team observers noted that muting microphones, video quality, audio quality, and audio lag all somewhat hindered discussion. Overall, the facilitator found moderating by videoconference only slightly more difficult than a face-to-face session. There was evidence of knowledge gain, with post-test scores being 20% higher than pretest scores (p = .006). Learners reported nine practice changes from taking the modules. At commercial rates, telecommunications costs per videoconferenced module were approximately CAN$1,200. DISCUSSION: Videoconferencing has the potential to bring the benefits of small-group, practice-based learning to many physicians; however, strict attention to videoconferencing techniques is required. Cost is also an important consideration.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Videoconferenced grand rounds: needs assessment for community specialists.

INTRODUCTION: Grand rounds are a traditional means of continuing education for specialist physicians. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for and feasibility of interactive videoconferenced grand rounds between an academic health center and community specialists practicing in the three provinces served by the health center. METHODS: Using questionnaires, we studied two populations: the academic center's clinical department and division heads and community specialists in three provinces. RESULTS: We received 27 of 34 (79%) questionnaires from department heads. Nine reported that they already videoconferenced their rounds, 12 expressed a willingness to do so, and 4 responded that they may be interested. Fourteen departments responded that they were willing to include community specialists in planning and presenting. Using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree), respondents rated the statement "Regional specialists would benefit from videoconferenced grand rounds" as 4.2. The return rate from community specialists was 333 of 876 (38%), of which 274 indicated that they would attend videoconferenced rounds, 42 said "maybe," and 9 said "no." Using the same 5-point scale, respondents rated both the following statements as 3.8: "Videoconferenced grand rounds would benefit me" and "These rounds would help me keep in touch with my colleagues." One hundred and two (31%) indicated that they would help plan rounds from the academic center. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the willingness on the part of one academic center to videoconference grand rounds to community specialists and interest from community specialists in participating. It raises logistical and educational issues, including scheduling and how to effectively include community physicians in needs assessment and planning. As requirements for specialists to participate in accredited learning activities become more rigorous, videoconferencing grand rounds may be one way to increase access to important learning activities.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Videoconferencing for continuing medical education: from pilot project to sustained programme.

Videoconferencing has been used to provide distance education for medical students, physicians and other health-care professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists. The Dalhousie University Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) has used videoconferencing for CME since a pilot project with four sites in 1995-6. Since that pilot project, videoconferencing activity has steadily increased; in the year 1999-2000, a total of 64 videoconferences were provided for 1059 learners in 37 sites. Videoconferencing has been well accepted by faculty staff and by learners, as it enables them to provide and receive CME without travelling long distances. The key components of the development of the videoconferencing programme include planning, scheduling, faculty support, technical support and evaluation. Evaluation enables the effect of videoconferencing on other CME activities, and costs, to be measured.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Using videoconferencing in palliative care.

Recent technological advances and reducing costs have meant that videoconferencing is a possible new medium for health-care teams. The IMPaCT (Interactive Multimedia Palliative Care Training) project began in 1997 with the aims of assessing the practicalities of videoconferencing in palliative care and assessing its educational effectiveness. The use of videoconferencing was closely evaluated during the first 2 years of the project and this paper presents the results of that monitoring. Twenty-two sites were linked worldwide, reaching 136 professionals without the costs or time needed to travel. The savings on travel and time within the UK alone would have paid for the equipment in 1 year. Sites only continued with videoconferencing if they reached a point where their organization saw the advantages of videoconferencing. Links were easy to establish and rarely failed regardless of distance. Users rapidly adapted to the new medium, and links could be used in a variety of settings and audiences, including journal clubs and expert workshops. Videoconferencing offers a new and unique way of supporting palliative care professionals while reducing time and costs for both tutors and learners.

Cost Savings↗

The effectiveness of palliative care education delivered by videoconferencing compared with face-to-face delivery.

As part of a four-year study into the use of videoconferencing in palliative care, the delivery of workshops on palliative care to community nurses was evaluated by the Open University. Twenty nurses were randomly allocated to alternating videoconferencing and face-to-face modes of presentation. The quantitative study measured the amount of learning that occurred in each workshop with pre-tests and post-tests, and the mode of presentation. Forty-nine workshop attendances were analysed. The qualitative study used observation and analysis of videorecordings to assess the activity and attention spans in interactive communication during workshops, while a combination of interviews and questionnaires was used to assess the participants' level of satisfaction with presentation. The results showed that the nurses' level of satisfaction with the instructional presentation was high in both modes of presentation. Despite difficulties at the start of the project in the videoconferencing presentation, there was little difference between the modes of presentation in achievement scores or the gain in achievement scores. Although the learners preferred face-to-face workshops, they learnt as much from a videoconferenced workshop. Videoconferencing was less suitable for psychological or emotional discussions, but this may have been due to the time constraints on the workshops. Some features of videoconferencing suggest it could be used effectively in helping learners discuss sensitive issues. The Current Learning in Palliative Care (CLiP) worksheets were found to be an effective means of delivering learning.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Videoconferencing in the provision of psychological services at a distance.

This paper reviews the literature on the provision of psychological services using videoconferencing. First, mental health assessments are considered in terms of both the initial interview and the use of scales for rating symptoms of mental state dysfunction, including psychosis, depression and anxiety. Ways to increase the reliability of initial assessment data collected by videoconference are provided, and the consumer's experience of receiving this service by videoconference is also considered. Research comparing the administration of psychometric tests in person and by videoconference is then reviewed, as is the client's experience of receiving this service by videoconference. Psychological interventions provided for individuals, families and groups by videoconference are also considered. Positive and negative experiences relate to issues of empathy, working alliance, a sense of control and a sense of presence. The levels of comfort and satisfaction expressed by both counsellors and clients with the use of the medium are discussed. Recommendations for how best to use videoconferencing for psychological interventions are offered and contraindications are reviewed. Videoconferencing for the purposes of supervision is also briefly covered. The legal issues associated with the use of videoconferencing to provide psychological services include consent, reimbursement, professional licensing and liability. It seems that videoconferencing is a new and potentially beneficial means of bringing psychological services to isolated communities. However, it may be necessary to explore the technique cautiously. There is a dearth of evidence regarding the reliability of psychological services provided using videoconferencing and consequently there is vast opportunity for further research.

Humans↗

User satisfaction with allied health services delivered to residential facilities via videoconferencing.

We have investigated the role of videoconferencing in allied health service provision to high-care clients in rural residential facilities. Videoconferencing equipment was set up at a rural aged-care facility and a metropolitan allied health centre; ISDN transmission at 384 kbit/s was used to link the equipment. Twelve residents were assessed by both videoconference and face to face across five allied health disciplines (a total of 120 assessments). User satisfaction was measured using questionnaires and focus groups. Face-to-face assessment took significantly longer than videoconferencing assessment. However, the mean satisfaction ratings for face-to-face assessments were higher than for videoconferencing and the majority of the staff preferred the face-to-face format. Videoconferencing was particularly useful for consultations and the initial stages of the assessment process. A number of issues relating to the videoconferencing equipment, to the environment in which assessments were performed and to the clients themselves need to be addressed in order for this form of service delivery to be effective.

Aged↗

A study of videoconferencing for postgraduate continuing education in dentistry in the UK--the teachers' view.

Videoconferencing is an established method for providing medical education over long distances. Our aims were to assess the feasibility of videoconferencing in dental postgraduate education, to evaluate its practicability, teacher satisfaction and evaluate equipment. Twenty-seven teachers from the 4 London Dental Schools provided 41 postgraduate dental education sessions on a range of topics to regional postgraduate centres and dental practices as part of the Thames Health Region's programme. Videoconferencing was carried out using a relatively inexpensive personal computer system link using ISDN2 telephone lines and Z350 protocol. Presenter views and assessment were obtained by questionnaire, interview and videotape. Teachers felt that minimal additional preparation time was required for videoconferencing and 21/27 preferred it to in-person teaching, most noting the saving in travel time. Only 3 of the teachers were dissatisfied with their ability to communicate, 4 were equivocal and 20 were either pleased or very pleased. The teachers largely enjoyed the experience and performed well in the new medium. However, sound quality proved inadequate in 5/41 links and most sessions included some periods of suboptimal sound. Only 4 teachers were satisfied with their ability to perform question and answer interaction with the audience. We conclude that experienced teachers adapt readily to videoconferencing and learn to communicate effectively very quickly. Teachers were positive about the medium despite its shortcomings and improvements in sound quality would allow a rapid expansion of postgraduate dental education by videoconference.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Multipoint videoconferencing in health: a review of three years' experience in Queensland, Australia.

The objective was to review multipoint videoconferencing in Queensland Health from July 1996 to June 1999. Most videoconferencing has been conducted using desktop systems connected by integrated systems digital network (ISDN) at 128 kbps. Data on utilization and problems were extracted from monthly reports and a survey was conducted. Multipoint videoconferencing increased steadily over the 3 years from just and handful of conferences per month to 101 conferences and 703 hours of bridge use per month. Primary uses were education and administration. Relatively few technical failures and operator errors were recorded. But by 1999, late connection and low attendance were major problems. Survey responses indicated that multipoint videoconferencing met expectations at the great majority of sites. Most respondents were satisfied with the level of administrative and technical support provided. In this large and decentralized state, multipoint videoconferencing has proven a useful and effective means of bringing healthcare workers together for a common purpose, supplementing face-to-face events and other encounters mediated by communications technology such as satellite broadcasts and audioconferences.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

A randomized, controlled trial of child psychiatric assessments conducted using videoconferencing.

We used a PC-based videoconferencing system to conduct child psychiatry assessments. The telecommunications link was six digital lines, giving a total bandwidth of 336 kbit/s. Twenty-three patients (aged 4-16 years), accompanied by their parents, completed two psychiatric assessments, one via videoconferencing and another face to face (FTF). The order of assessments was randomized. Questionnaires were used to record the diagnosis, treatment recommendations and the psychiatrists', patients' and their parents' satisfaction with each assessment. An independent evaluator concluded that in 22 cases (96%) the diagnosis and treatment recommendations made via the videoconferencing system were the same as those made FTF. The psychiatrists stated that videoconferencing assessments were an adequate alternative to FTF assessments and did not interfere with diagnosis. However, the responses from the psychiatrist satisfaction questionnaire showed that they preferred FTF assessments. No significant difference was found in the patients' or parents' satisfaction responses after the two types of assessment. The majority of children (82%) 'liked' using the telepsychiatry system and six (26%) preferred it to a FTF assessment. Most parents (91%) indicated that they would prefer to use the videoconferencing system than to travel a long distance to see a psychiatrist in person.

Adolescent↗

Videoconferencing in psychiatry: a survey of use in northern Norway.

A survey of the use of videoconferencing in mental health care was carried out in northern Norway. A questionnaire was distributed to all user institutions in northern Norway at the same time that ISDN became available, in mid-1995. The questionnaire completion rate for locations recorded as participants in videoconferencing sessions was 62%. Within six months, a total of 1028 persons had participated in 140 videoconferencing sessions from 35 institutions. The purposes of videoconferencing included meetings (50%), supervision, training and teaching (31%), clinical consultations (14%) and tests or demonstrations (5%). The alternative forms of contact which videoconferencing replaced included travel (59%), no contact (25%), telephone (14%), and mail or fax (2%). No problems were reported in 55% of the sessions; in 19% there were audio problems, in 14% there were picture problems, in 5% attempts to connect failed and in 5% disconnection occurred. The majority of users (87%) reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the facility; 8% were uncertain and 5% were less satisfied or totally dissatisfied. Continued surveying will provide longitudinal data on the diffusion of telepsychiatry in northern Norway.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

An evaluation of an Australian videoconferencing project for child and adolescent telepsychiatry.

A user satisfaction survey of videoconferencing services for child and adolescent mental health was carried out over a two-year period in Victoria, Australia. The aims of the survey were to evaluate key utilization areas, effect on professional practice, and advantages and disadvantages of the videoconferencing service. Eighty questionnaires were sent out and 58 (73%) were returned. Consultations were reported as the most frequent use of videoconferencing equipment (62%), followed by clinical use (59%), supervision (36%), teaching (19%) and administration (14%). Fifty-seven per cent of respondents reported that videoconferencing had affected professional practice. Advantages of the services included cost savings (52%) while disadvantages included technological problems (40%). The findings show the benefits of videoconferencing for improving the delivery of mental health care in rural Australia.

Adolescent↗

Remote presence proctoring by using a wireless remote-control videoconferencing system.

Remote presence in an operating room to allow an experienced surgeon to proctor a surgeon has been promised through robotics and telesurgery solutions. Although several such systems have been developed and commercialized, little progress has been made using telesurgery for anything more than live demonstrations of surgery. This pilot project explored the use of a new videoconferencing capability to determine if it offers advantages over existing systems. The video conferencing system used is a PC-based system with a flat screen monitor and an attached camera that is then mounted on a remotely controlled platform. This device is controlled from a remotely placed PC-based videoconferencing system computer outfitted with a joystick. Using the public Internet and a wireless router at the client site, a surgeon at the control station can manipulate the videoconferencing system. Controls include navigating the unit around the room and moving the flat screen/camera portion like a head looking up/down and right/left. This system (InTouch Medical, Santa Barbara, CA) was used to proctor medical students during an anatomy class cadaver dissection. The ability of the remote surgeon to effectively monitor the students' dissections and direct their activities was assessed subjectively by students and surgeon. This device was very effective at providing a controllable and interactive presence in the anatomy lab. Students felt they were interacting with a person rather than a video screen and quickly forgot that the surgeon was not in the room. The ability to move the device within the environment rather than just observe the environment from multiple fixed camera angles gave the surgeon a similar feel of true presence. A remote-controlled videoconferencing system provides a more real experience for both student and proctor. Future development of such a device could greatly facilitate progress in implementation of remote presence proctoring.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗