Secure Internet video conferencing for assessing acute medical problems in a nursing facility.

Weiner M, Schadow G, Lindbergh D, Warvel J, Abernathy G, Dexter P, McDonald CJ

Proc AMIA Symp. 2001:751-5.

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Abstract:

Although video-based teleconferencing is becoming more widespread in the medical profession, especially for scheduled consultations, applications for rapid assessment of acute medical problems are rare. Use of such a video system in a nursing facility may be especially beneficial, because physicians are often not immediately available to evaluate patients. We have assembled and tested a portable, wireless conferencing system to prepare for a randomized trial of the system s influence on resource utilization and satisfaction. The system includes a rolling cart with video conferencing hardware and software, a remotely controllable digital camera, light, wireless network, and battery. A semi-automated paging system informs physicians of patient s study status and indications for conferencing. Data transmission occurs wirelessly in the nursing home and then through Internet cables to the physician s home. This provides sufficient bandwidth to support quality motion images. IPsec secures communications. Despite human and technical challenges, this system is affordable and functional.

Weiner M, Schadow G, Lindbergh D, Warvel J, Abernathy G, Dexter P, McDonald CJ. Secure Internet video conferencing for assessing acute medical problems in a nursing facility. 
Proc AMIA Symp. 2001:751-5.

PMID | PMCID