5 Tips for Physicians for Telemedicine

Telemedicine has taken on an increasingly significant role since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As physicians employ telemedicine for patient care, they need to remember that telemedicine is two dimensions only - sight and sound. Both require a strong and constant focus to overcome the missing third dimension, namely touch.

5 Tips for Physicians for Telemedicine: 

1. Lighting is Critical - Have you video conferenced with someone in a dark room or against a bright window? It doesn't establish a warm and meaningful connection. Don't forget good lighting. You cannot have enough. If in doubt, add more.
2. Good Eye Contact is Paramount - As best you can, position your camera as close to the patient’s eyes as possible so as to appear to be looking directly at them. Maintain constant eye contact and avoid looking around at distractions in the room.
3. Body Language is Important - Present a reassuring expression that is compassionate and warm. Leave frowning or scowling for other activities. Use hands and arms as you would in person.
4. Professional Appearance is Necessary - Leave the golf shirt or t-shirt for later. A buttoned-up lab coat displays a sense of professionalism and respect as if the patient was seeing you in person. It will reinforce their confidence in your opinion and care.
5. Limit Distractions - No gum, drink, or anything else should be in or near your mouth. These become big distractors and degrade the professional interaction. Ask yourself: "Would I walk into an exam room like this?" If not, leave it outside the interaction.

What would be your #6?

Jon Belsher is an innovative, investigative forward thinker who is passionate about identifying and creating new opportunities for business development and growth, market expansion, and value-added solutions in the healthcare industry. As a firm believer in the “lead by example” philosophy, Jon seeks to create change in the healthcare industry by pursuing opportunities in mobile health technology, telehealth, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, predictive analytics, volume to value, and risk.