Avoiding artificiality in teleconsultations.
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Date
2001-09-28
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Abstract
The ideal videoconferencing environment would produce the minimum feeling of artificiality for its users We assessed nurse and patient perceptions of artificiality by varying the technical and operational procedures for telemedicine in a minor injuries unit Twenty five patients and eight emergency nurse practitioners ENPs participated in simulated teleconsultations under a variety of different conditions and completed a Likert scale survey There was a close correlation between the ENPs ratings and the patients ratings for the various factors r 0 99 In relation to technical factors a flicker free television screen and the user being seated close to the screen were preferred Similarly in relation to operational procedures an initial explanation of telemedicine introductions and adequate preparation were also preferred The study suggests that careful attention to technical specifications and operational procedures can reduce the perceived artificiality of teleconsultations