Page 23 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part One

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

There are online tutorials for patients and providers alike which

may provide a quick outline of the process of a virtual visit. If
your software vendor has tutorials or you have the capability

of creating a brief tutorial to provide to your patients before
their telemedicine visits, it will assist in making patients more

comfortable and prepared. As a primary clinical consideration,
knowing when telemedicine is appropriate and when it is not

will reduce the likelihood of frustration.

To help you prepare for a telemedicine visit, consider the
following suggestions:

• Ask patients to have a list of medications handy

• Ask patients to write down their complaints, symptoms,

and questions in advance

• Make sure the phone and/or computer are fully charged

and the patient has already downloaded any required

software or apps to enable the telemedicine visit

• Advise patients of compatible devices and download/

broadband speed requirements

• Enable camera and microphone access and correctly

position the device for effective communication

• Update the browser and any software updates

• Advise patients of HIPAA issues and the importance of

being in a private room or area

• Set up in a room that is well-lit, as otherwise a camera may

auto adjust and focus on a background rather than the
subject

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