Doctors set to advise patients via webcam

Published on Monday 6 September 2010 14:16

THOUSANDS of patients will be able to speak to their consultant via webcam under a project being rolled out by NHS Lothian.

The health board is already set to save 1.4 million a year after video conferencing was recently introduced for staff.

Health chiefs think it could be extended to patients, saving them even more money and time.

Initially, it would be only available to people who already had their own computer and webcam, and the facility could be used for consulting with doctors and gaining advice on a range of issues.

Among the plans being considered is one that would offer new mums ongoing support on issues such as breastfeeding, while services such as help with quitting smoking and managing anxiety levels could also be delivered remotely. Video conferencing is already being used to help reduce the health board's 70m black hole, and has also saved the valuable time of consultants, with a return journey between Edinburgh and St John's Hospital in Livingston estimated at about 90 minutes.

It is thought that around three million miles of driving between meeting places could also be cut with the scheme.

NHS Lothian's eHealth director Martin Egan said: "People who use the system will, at a glance, be able to see whether colleagues are free.

"It's a traffic light system that will allow you to send a secure message to them and set up a conference and share and collaborate documents.

"After the Christmas holidays when the Lothians were still deep in snow, I was able to have a video conference with all my managers even though some of them were snowed in."

Mr Egan added: "If a patient has a webcam at home, then the clinician can send an e-mail invitation to a video conference. The patient doesn't even need the software programme. It's all controlled from the health board end.

"Some of the areas under consideration are to use it to help new mums. Instead of having them struggle to a clinic, a midwife or health visitor can talk to them in the comfort of their own home, as well as help with anxiety management and smoking cessation."

Labour's Edinburgh health spokeswoman, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: "This is something that's used to great effect in the islands, and it's amazing what it can do. It's not a case of either or, it's an alternative and a choice for patients. Nothing can replace face-to-face contact, but this type of thing is fantastic to use alongside that."