Telemedicine Technology Requirements
The global COVID-19 pandemic has introduced massive changes in both need and availability of telemedicine and telehealth services. Physicians have increased their use of telemedicine to care for individuals and populations who have difficulty accessing care because of geography, lack of available trained practitioners, or health limitations.
With Remote Cognitive Testing 101, BrainCheck will walk through some of the basics of telemedicine implementation, hoping to assist physicians in making cognitive assessment available in today’s radically altered environment.
Requirements for Remote Testing via Telemedicine
The provision of telemedicine has been accelerated by the availability of affordable, privacy-protected video conferencing systems and devices.
A decade ago, healthcare grade video conferencing cameras cost thousands of dollars and required considerable implementation and ongoing technical support. Today, physicians can deliver care over personal computers, tablets, and even smartphones, which patients often already own.
The following are the fundamental requirements for the provision of healthcare via telemedicine:
- Video-conference connectivity between practitioner and client over a secure, privacy-protected system
- Broadband service at practitioner and client location, providing at least 1MB/s download and upload speed. Dial up, satellite, or 3G cellular service will not deliver reliable call quality. The broadband connection should also not be over-utilized for other uses while a video call is in process
- Newer computer — no older than 4 years old with at least 4 GB of memory — with embedded or attached HD webcam and high-quality microphone
- Readily available technical support for practitioner and client
Testing of equipment and provision of user-instructions should be provided prior to first clinical contact to ensure that the patient has reviewed initial instructions, including charging the batteries of their devices and understands
Recommended Technology for Remote Cognitive Testing
A digital cognitive testing platform, such as BrainCheck, can simplify remote cognitive testing administration and help make the experience for the patient a positive one.
Traditional paper-based assessments can be a challenge to administer via telemedicine, and may require significant modification.
BrainCheck uses a computer or Apple iPad, and the tests don’t require modifications for at-home assessment. This can improve the experience for the patient through familiarity, while also increasing insight for physicians with objective results.
As a digital cognitive testing platform with remote support, BrainCheck allows physicians to reimburse for administration and interpretation, too.
Remote Cognitive Testing 101: Part II
The next post in the four-part Remote Cognitive Testing 101 series will cover ways to optimize your office space for remote cognitive testing via telemedicine. Additional telemedicine resources can be found on our Telemedicine Resources page.
Also, BrainCheck also has a bi-weekly clinical webinar that will include discussions of cognitive testing, telemedicine, reimbursement, and more.
