Why not offer these conversations over the phone?
As a doctor, you have learnt to observe. That’s why the exchange over video is much more intense than over the phone. The way a patient speaks, reaches and moves allows me to directly judge what has changed. The image also serves as a check on the verbal statements, as emotions and visible changes can obviously be recognised much more clearly. Even sharing findings and medication lists is easier, the patient only has to hold them up to the camera. And last but not least, the personal connection and trust in the doctor grows because the doctor – figuratively speaking – comes to the patient’s own kitchen table. My experience is that I would not have been able to do the video consultations I have had so far with CARY Medical as a regular phone call.
But you will not replace personal contact?
You always have to see each other in person, that’s for sure. In Parkinson’s complex therapy, for example, patients stay with us in hospital for a two-week period. I can get to know them very well during the course of the day and get a comprehensive picture. But then meeting them in the video consultation is enough for about a year. Every channel has its place: Everything is real in the video too, you are sitting in the patient’s living room and are perceived as being present. After a year, you meet again in person.
How do patients react to the video consultation?
Extremely positive, because the patient usually needs advice and contact immediately. And that’s simply quicker via video. Of course, the first time is a challenge for many, so technical test runs are carried out in advance with family members. And then you’re just happy to see each other in person. Sometimes children, spouses or grandchildren accompany seriously ill patients to the video consultation, which also works quite well. Or the relatives want to speak alone with someone who understands the situation and their stresses and strains. The medium is quite flexible.
