Common Elements of the Expert Consensus Guidelines for Clinical Videoconferencing

Abstract

Purpose This chapter identifies common elements of various expert consensus guidelines for clinical videoconferencing (CV) services. We broadly conceptualize common elements as shared recommendations or themes addressed in the majority of published organizational guidelines (in this case, as identified in at least five of the nine major sets of national-level guidelines). Practice recommendations are discussed in the context of these common elements, specific guidelines are highlighted that represent the shared intention of common themes, and basic core requirements of CV programming are synthesized. We close the chapter by discussing notable variability among the guidelines pertaining to specific issues. Context Several professional organizations and agencies have published guides addressing the clinical, technical, and administrative standards applicable to CV-based health services. This information is useful for clinic managers and clinicians attempting to integrate CV into their practice in that these guidelines offer practical strategies for developing safe, patient-centered programs. Yet, a large amount of content related to expert consensus guidelines is available and not all guidelines are