Use of Videophones and Low-Cost Standard Telephone Lines to Provide a Social Presence in Telepsychiatry

Abstract

Research findings suggest that the value added by the video channel of currently available video conferencing technology is limited to the creation of a social presence of the other party. Almost all clinical information exchange takes place on the audio channel, while the interpersonal interactions (nods, blinks, facial expressions, and body language), which are so important in a face-to-face meeting, may not be adequately captured by the video. Several of our case studies are presented which suggest that, consistent with the social presence role for video, low-cost videophones may be effectively substituted for expensive ISDN-based systems in many mental health applications.

Developing a Mental Health eClinic to Improve Access to and Quality of Mental Health Care for Young People: Using Participatory Design as Research Methodologies (Preprint)

“…In Australia, telepsychiatry (video conferencing) has been practiced since the 1990's and its benefits have been translated into a wide range of populations including rural populations, Aboriginal communities [38], the defence force [39] and child and adolescent populations [40]. The use of video conferencing is viewed as more advantageous than telephone support as the health professional can also gauge important visual cues to inform their assessment such as: appearance, facial expression, motor activity, movements and mannerisms [41]. Furthermore, video conferencing has been found to be as reliable as face-to-face assessments and also more cost-effective [42].…”

Family carers/next-of-kin perceptions of home-care technology: a review

“…42,44,45 Despite this, the general consensus is that family carers are satisfied with home-care technology, finding it useful and in some cases life-changing. 46 In a study using remote cardiac monitoring to detect silent myocardial infarction in a nursing home population, Clarke et al reported statements supporting the use of technology and that it provided reassurance to the relatives. 44 More recently, the Royal College of Physicians (London) report Care Closer to Home commented that carers (informal) were more satisfied with the use of telehealth, but could not provide any evidence or robust data to support the statement.…”

“…46,66 Studying renal patients in Finland for a PhD thesis, Asteljoki found that people/carers enjoyed the peer support/ discussion groups, as they found them useful. 67 However, where a similar system was being used for families caring for people with dementia, carers would be more relaxed with the system if the person being cared for was distracted.…”

Telemedicine and telecare: what can it offer mental health services?

“…This is a quality of the medium as perceived by the user. Cukor et al (1998) proposed that the added value of the video channel in lowcost videoconferencing is that it allows the creation of social presence. They define social presence as 'permitting participants to share a virtual space, to get to know the conferencing partner better and to feel comfortable discussing complex issues'.…”