Conducting a Telemedicine Consultation

A Comprehensive Guide for Patients on Doctors On Demand

As telemedicine becomes an increasingly integral part of healthcare, understanding how to conduct a telemedicine consult effectively is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients using Doctors On Demand, a South African based online doctor service, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to follow up, ensuring a smooth, secure, and successful telemedicine experience.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for a Successful Consultation

Test Your Technology

Before your telemedicine consultation, ensure that your technology is up to par. This means testing your internet connection, confirming that your device’s camera and microphone are functioning correctly. A stable connection is crucial to avoid interruptions that could affect the quality of your consultation.

You do not need any apps or additional software, we do all our consultations via WhatsApp video call. If you do not have access to video, or you have a slow internet connection, consultations can also be done via a WhatsApp voice call with pictures. This is the ease of how user friendly our consultations in Telemedicine are.

Obtaining Patient Consent

Before the consultation begins, your doctor will obtain your consent for the telemedicine visit. This is a standard procedure that ensures you understand the nature of the consultation and agree to the use of telemedicine for your care. It is imperative that the patient understands that telemedicine has limitations. (see FAQ– ‘What are the limitations of telemedicine?’)

Review Your Medical History

For healthcare providers, reviewing a patient’s medical history is essential. As a patient, it’s equally important to have a clear understanding of your health records. Be ready to discuss your current medications, recent symptoms, and any relevant past medical history. This preparation will help your doctor make a more accurate assessment.

Choose the Right Environment

Select a quiet, well lit, and private space for your consultation. Ensure you are free from distractions, such as background noise or interruptions from other people in your household. Good lighting helps your doctor see you clearly, which can be particularly important if you are showing them physical symptoms, such as a rash or swelling.

Beginning the Consult: Building a Professional Rapport

Introduction and Greetings

Your telemedicine consult will typically begin with your doctor introducing themselves. They will provide their name, role, and a brief explanation of what the consultation will entail. This helps establish a professional rapport and sets a clear framework for the session.

Verify Your Identity

To ensure your safety and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations, your doctor will verify your identity at the start of the consult. You may be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, and possibly other identifiers. This step is crucial for ensuring that your medical information is accurately recorded and that the consultation is conducted with the correct patient.

Set Expectations for the Consultation

Your doctor will outline what the consultation will cover, including the approximate duration and what you can expect as next steps. This could involve discussing symptoms, reviewing test results, or planning future treatments. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare mentally and makes the consultation more efficient. The doctor will assess to see if a telemedicine consult is appropriate or in-person consultation for your particular presenting problem.

Communication: The Key to Effective Telemedicine

Clear and Concise Communication

During the consultation, it’s important for both you and your doctor to communicate clearly. Your doctor will speak at a moderate pace and use straightforward language to ensure you understand their questions and instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something isn’t clear, effective communication is key to a successful diagnosis.

Active Listening and Open-Ended Questions

Your doctor will actively listen to your concerns, asking open ended questions to gather more detailed information. This approach helps them get a full picture of your health issue. As a patient, being honest and thorough in your responses is crucial. The more information you provide, the better your doctor can assess your condition.

Non-Verbal Cues and Visual Communication 

Even though the consultation is virtual, non-verbal cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language play a significant role. Your doctor will pay close attention to these cues to gauge your comfort level and to pick up on any non-verbal signs that might indicate distress or confusion.

Do you have more questions? Take a look at our Telemedicine FAQs page!

 Assessment and Diagnosis: Utilising Remote Techniques

Thorough History-Taking

One of the most critical parts of the consultation is history taking. Your doctor will ask detailed questions to understand the nature of your symptoms, when they began, and how they’ve progressed. This comprehensive history is often more telling than physical symptoms alone and is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Remote Examination Techniques

While a telemedicine consult limits physical examination, there are several remote techniques that doctors can use. For example, they may ask you to perform specific physical movements or use visual aids like close up images of affected areas. These methods help the doctor assess your condition remotely.

Explain the Diagnostic Process

Throughout the assessment, your doctor will keep you informed about what they are evaluating and why. This transparency helps you understand the process and reassures you that your concerns are being thoroughly addressed.

Patient Education: Empowering You with Knowledge

 Explaining the Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will explain it to you in simple, understandable terms. This explanation might include the cause of your symptoms, the expected course of the illness, and the implications for your health. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step in taking control of your health.

Discussing the Treatment Plan

Your doctor will then discuss the treatment plan, which could involve medications, lifestyle changes, or further tests. They will provide detailed instructions on how to follow the treatment, including how to take prescribed medications and what side effects to watch for. Clear guidance ensures that you can follow your treatment plan effectively.

To support your understanding, your doctor might provide digital resources, such as links to reputable websites, educational videos, or PDFs. These resources can help reinforce what was discussed during the consultation and provide you with additional information to review at your own pace.

Documentation: Keeping Accurate Records

Recording Consultation Notes

After the consultation, your doctor will document the session thoroughly. This includes notes on your symptoms, the assessment, the diagnosis, and any treatment plans or follow up instructions. Accurate documentation ensures continuity of care and makes it easier for your healthcare provider to track your progress.

Follow Up: Ensuring Ongoing Care

Scheduling Next Steps

If your condition requires further monitoring or additional tests, your doctor will help schedule follow up appointments. Knowing the next steps provides peace of mind and ensures that your care continues seamlessly.

Availability for Questions

After your consultation, you may have additional questions or concerns. Doctors On Demand typically offers a way to contact your healthcare provider or their support team for follow up questions. Whether through email, WhatsApp, or a phone call, this accessibility is crucial for addressing any post-consultation queries.

Closing the Consultation: Ending on a Positive Note

Recapping Key Points

Before the consultation ends, your doctor will recap the main points of the discussion, ensuring that you understand the diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up actions. This summary reinforces the information shared and gives you a final opportunity to ask questions.

Encouraging Questions

Your doctor will ask if you have any final questions or concerns before concluding the session. This step is essential for making sure you leave the consultation feeling informed and confident about your next steps.

Expressing Gratitude and Support

The consultation typically ends with your doctor thanking you for your time and reassuring you of their ongoing support. A positive, supportive conclusion leaves you feeling valued and cared for, which is a crucial part of the patient experience.

Technical Backup Plan: Preparing for the Unexpected

Backup Communication Methods

Despite best efforts, technical difficulties can occasionally disrupt a telemedicine consultation. It’s important to have a backup communication method in place, such as a phone call. This ensures that the consultation can continue even if video or audio connections fail.

Compliance and Privacy: Protecting Your Information

Adhering to Privacy Regulations

Your privacy is paramount. Doctors On Demand ensures that all telemedicine platforms and communication methods comply with relevant privacy regulations. This compliance protects your sensitive medical information and ensures that your consultation remains confidential.

Conducting a telemedicine consultation with Doctors On Demand is a streamlined, patient centred process designed to provide high quality care in the comfort of your own home. By following the steps outlined above, you can prepare for a successful telemedicine consult, ensuring that you receive the same level of care and attention as you would in an in-person visit. Telemedicine not only offers convenience but also extends the reach of healthcare, making it accessible to more people, regardless of location. For more information or to schedule your next telemedicine consult please contact us.