In recent years, the NHS has adopted new ways of working to continue providing high quality care.
One of the most popular digital developments has seen a move to remote care where safe and clinically appropriate. Providing care via video consultations have become very much ‘the norm’ for General Practice (GPs) and many outpatient appointments, and feedback and evaluation of video consultation use across the NHS and our Trust has found many benefits to patients and service users.
Video consultations are as convenient as a phone call, but with the added value of face-to-face communication and a two way conversation in real time – taking away the need to come into clinic.
What is a video consultation?
A video consultation is a pre booked appointment that takes place between you and a clinician or therapist over video call , instead of face-to-face or over the telephone. You will receive the same quality of care as you would in a face-to-face appointment but you can stay at home or a place where you feel comfortable to talk.
Is a video consultation right for me?
Video consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who are able to communicate via video. Your clinician will only invite you to a video consultation if they have assessed the care you require and they believe it is right for you.
From that initial consultation a face it face appointment may be booked for future appointments.
Can a family member, carer, friend or interpreter join me for my video consultation?
Yes, the other person can be at your location or elsewhere. If the person is in the same location as you, please let the clinician know at the start of your appointment that you have someone with you.
The Attend Anywhere platform allows you to invite someone into your consultation, even if they are in a different location to you. You can share your appointment link with them in advance so they can join the waiting area from another location at the time of your appointment. At the start of your appointment, you will need to ask the clinician to invite them to join the consultation.
What do I need to access a video consultation?
You will need a good internet connection and a private area where you won’t be disturbed. This will allow the two-way discussions to flow as they would if you attended a face to face appointment at clinic.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a Google Chrome web browser on a desktop computer, a laptop, Ipad/tablet of smartphone or a Safari web browser on an Apple iMac , MacBook, iPad or iPhone
You will also need a webcam and speakers – these are usually built in to devices.
Ideally it is best to be connected to a Wifi network so that you do not need to use your mobile data allowance.
It is a good idea to test your equipment before your appointment. You can do that by clicking on the link on the Attend Anywhere page.
How much internet data will a video consultation use?
You don’t use any data whilst waiting for a clinician to join you. A video consultation uses a similar amount of data as Skype or FaceTime.
How much does a video consultation cost?
A video consultation is free, except for your internet usage
Will I need to download anything?
Attend Anywhere is accessed via a web browser and does not require any applications to be downloaded.
What happens if my connection drops out?
You should try to make sure there is a good quality connection (through Wi-Fi, 4G or wired connection) before starting the call, although this cannot always guarantee a perfect connection.
If the connection drops mid-consultation, the clinician will try to reconnect. If this cannot be done via video, they may attempt to call the mobile number we have on your record.
Please make sure the contact details we have for you are kept up to date
Help and support
If you have any questions, please speak to your healthcare professional.
For further support you can also visit england.nhs.attendanywhere.com/troubleshooting
