http://www.healthmgttech.com/index.php/solutions/hospitals/technology-brings-virtual-care-to-life.html

I often am asked the question…..

“I understand that the best vehicle to use video conferencing is on a PC, mac or laptop. However, I would like to know if I can engage in a video conference with my 4G device as you demonstrated? If so, how can I try it ?”

This is an interesting issue because it gets to the heart of what one expects to happen within a video conference.  The advanced tools that enable complex screen share, multiple participants, recording, two way interactions among a group, etc  are MUCH better done on a larger screen and a true computing device, not just for video, but because of value of having mouse, larger screen and a more controlled audio environment. Its the difference between participating in a conference call when sitting at a desk or table and when driving in a car distracted with other things.

One of the two tools for virtual meetings within NowDox that I use alot is Citrix GoToMeeting with HDFaces which probably will have full mobile integration by mid fall. When citrix finally does that with this tool it will likely be absolutely phenomenal without glitches (ala citrix receiver for gateway apps on the droid and tablet, which is incredible). Cisco/Webex already has a nicely developed tablet app at least for the aspects of meetings without two way video..and that will evolve also

The other tool that I and colleagues in the NowDox virtual network use is Vidyo and it has a beta version that currently works nicely on the xoom tablet and droid phones, and will be out soon in the ipad/iphone also….and probably by late fall will be fully featured on all mobile devices and types, which will be a big breakthrough for those interested in always having access to high quality video-audio sessions.

However, that is not suggesting that participating in a meeting with complex information sharing and collaboration workflow is optimal from a tablet or smartphone. It all depends on the purpose of the “meeting” and group dynamic.

Then there is the multitude of personal/small group video chat apps…tango, oovoo, google talk on xoom, that are variations on a theme.

As someone who does a huge amount of video conferencing for meaningful personal or group interactions, my prediction is that alot of people might “connect via a tablet or smartphone” initially, but rapidly realize how nice it will be when, say in 15 minutes they can get themselves to a real computer with large monitor and controlled audio setup..and really have a meaningful interaction. Or, if they have to leave a meeting early and go mobile, but dont want to miss the last part of it.  The more one plans to shift one’s workday to be on video interactions with people, the less one should be travelling around being forced to use smartphones and tablets for all this stuff anyway!!!  (THAT is the real transformation in workflow, in my opinion….it is when people literally stop moving around in order to meet effectively with many different people in different settings!)

Lastly, I would suggest that carrying around a $45 microsoft lifecam that can be plugged into ANY computer in any location–laptop, pc, netbook, etc….enables any individual to always participate effectively in the powerful tools like vidyo/citrix/webex/livemeeting, wherever they are and can locate any decent computer with an internet connection.

http://searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com/news/2240036804/Telepresence-room-design-Do-you-really-need-to-buy-a-vendors-chairs

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702304906004576369401055710970-lMyQjAxMTAxMDEwMDExNDAyWj.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/21/your-money/21shortcuts.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

So we had the audio visual team just get a standard laptop on both ends, standard web cams, and let people connect by phone or computer microphone, did not matter.  We were able to have a 3 way highly interactive panel discussion and bypass the traditional obstacles of technology complexity with a process that did not require any special configurations on either end.

The same processes and tools that enable Virtual Care really apply to the generic issues of collaboration between people. In this particular situation we used GoToMeeting because the meeting was more of a “managed by organizer” model in which controls/presenter status were handed back and forth.  There was also high probability that some would be using VOIP and others telephone, but we needed all to have the same experience regardless.

The meeting went very well….but once again it is because the technology did not drive the event, it moved seamlessly to the background and we could focus on just talking, sharing and collaborating.

He sent me quick text message noting that even though my “status” was “asleep-urgent only”, that in fact this was an urgent question. I texted him back to ask for the medical record number so I could take a look at the scans.  I sent the ER doc a link to my home page that directs him to click/connect into my virtual consult room. He does so, and within 30 seconds he is online.  The patient had no neurologic deficits at the time, was fully conversant, and could provide some additional details himself.

We roll the cart into the patients room to not only get added history, but to show the patient the scans, come up with a care plan, and ask about any questions or clarification. We were able to reassure all involved of the probably nature of the issue, the reason for getting some added tests, the risks of any interventions and what to expect over the next few days.

Then a brief note is entered into the hospital’s electronic online medical record (or could have been in an office based electronic record if  needed, or ones own document repository)….

Then used Snagit to grab a copy of the notes and images, delete or cover over any names or identifying info, and send a copy as a secure email attachment to the nurse practitioner who will pick up the case in the morning on daily rounds.