Arrangement of Hardware:

There are two basic arrangements of hardware for videoconferencing:

1. Room Systems
   
   
2. Desktop Units

Preparing Participants

For the Professional:

1. As with any meeting, review the agenda and set rough time guidelines for the meeting.
2. Establish who's running the meeting.
3. Put the video remote control in the hands of someone who knows how to use it.
4. Assure relevant records are in the room and establish that the distant consultant is working off the same records.
5. Remind all participants about confidentiality issues.*

For the Patient:

1. Be on time.
2. Wear solid, neutral or dark colored clothing. Stripes or busy patterns can interfere with picture clarity.
3. Remember to look up at the camera when speaking.

*Privacy Considerations

Telehealth has lent itself to new issues around confidentiality and health care. As a result, laws have been established to protect patients, providers and agencies using telehealth as a delivery of care. Confidentiality laws apply to telehealth just as they do to in-person medical appointments. Most local, state and federal laws recognize the patient's right to preauthorize any disclosure of personal or sensitive information obtained while providing health care, including telehealth. Included in this disclosure is information on patient identifiers obtained by physicians, patient's family member, patient's friends and legal representatives.

Telecommunications technology manifests additional responsibility for maintaining patient confidentiality. Information about patient care is sometimes transmitted by using digital cameras, faxes, interactive videoconferencing, computers, email, the Internet and videotape. Sometimes a breech in confidentiality can occur from purely the method of transport of material. Faxes with sensitive information can be sent to the wrong number. Computers can be accessed from outside sources or computerized patient care information can be tampered with electronically.

Unauthorized electronic transmission of patient information can be prosecuted as a criminal offense depending on the type of information and jurisdiction. Patients may pursue civil litigation if there is a breech in confidentiality or negligent disclosure. Providers can be held liable for negligence in releasing confidential patient care information without patient consent.

Consulting agencies expect site to have a confidential location set up. The location should be free from interruption during the consult. All correspondence to the consulting agency should take security into account.

Proceed to Set Up Procedures