The Video Conferencing Platforms Guideline outlines the platforms that have undergone a privacy and security assessment by NSW Health and are supported for use (NSW Health network or VPN required).
These include:
myVirtualCare is a custom-built web-based videoconferencing platform that was designed by clinicians to mimic the clinical workflow. Consumers, carers and other providers use the same link to join the service waiting room. Clinicians connect to participants in the waiting room to begin a consultation.
Support
Pexip can be used for both group and individual consumer consultations. Each clinician or service uses a virtual meeting room (VMR); however, only one consultation can occur in a VMR at any one time.
Support
MS Teams is the communication platform developed as part of Microsoft Office 365. MS Teams is widely used by corporate and administrative staff within NSW Health. While it has undergone a privacy and security check, each LHD and SHN will provide local advice on whether MS Teams is supported for the delivery of virtual care. Contact your virtual care manager or lead for local advice.
There are a number of features in MS Teams that require support when used for clinical care. For example, but not limited to, the ability to record consultations and the use of the transcript.
- Recording a consultation is not standard practice and requires additional actions and considerations (refer to more information about Recording).
- The transcription functionality currently does not incorporate medical terminology and, therefore, the transcription is likely to be inaccurate for clinical consultations.
MedSync and MedSync Connect are two apps built within MS Teams.
- MedSync is a function within Microsoft Teams that allows clinicians to upload clinical images and video safely and securely from a mobile device into a consumer’s health record.
- MedSync Connect allows clinicians to securely text a meeting invite to external colleagues. Recipients can collaborate by easily joining the meeting link or via the chat tool.
Support
Contact your virtual care manager or lead about using MS Teams.
Selecting the most appropriate platform for your service
The clinical workflow and needs within your health service will influence the technical requirements. Platforms have a range of different functions, and your virtual care manager or lead will be able to assist you to determine the most appropriate platform to meet the needs of your service.
It is useful to have a demonstration of the platform as it is helps to make decisions. This should involve the clinical and administrative team within your service. Below are some of the key considerations when selecting the most appropriate videoconferencing platform.
Clinical need is the main priority
- What is the service clinical workflow?
- What activities are required to deliver care safely?
Consumer cohort
- Are consultations mainly one-on-one or group sessions?
- Will your consumers be easily able to access the platform?
Support available
- Is technical support available?
- Are resources for clinicians and consumers available?
- Is training available?
Alignment to other services
- What platform(s) do service partners use and is it suitable to use the same one? For example, support the transfer of information between services and facilities or statewide services.
Care between NSW Health facilities
Where there are multiple NSW Health facilities involved in a virtual care consultation and different platforms are used, it is recommended to ask the virtual care manager or leads from each local health district (LHD) or specialty health network (SHN) for advice.
For example, if a consumer is admitted to a rehabilitation ward and will attend a virtual follow-up appointment with an outpatient clinic, it is up to the outpatient clinic to advise on the platform to be used.
Virtual consultations led by external organisations
Non-government organisations and other third-party organisations work collaboratively with NSW Health to deliver clinical care. In many instances, it is appropriate for the third-party organisation to lead and/or host the virtual care consultation. However, if the third-party organisation leads or hosts a virtual care consultation on an unsecure platform, NSW Health clinicians should exercise caution about the level of sensitive information shared, because the consultation may not be secure. Further information is available in the 'Guidelines' section of Virtual Care Central Resources (NSW Health staff only).