Home Forums Discussions General Discussion exam room monitoring

I was using a wireless internet camera transmitting to a little window in the corner of my laptop screen in the exam room. This allows me to see when someone comes into the waiting room or otherwise needs attention (imagine old man clutching chest and collapsing?). Also, it's nice to see that no one goes where they are not allowed--in the front office or the exam room while I'm in there with a patient... children, etc.

Today I changed this for a separate wall-mounted flat panel display. It gets digital TV so if I have to step out and take a call, the patient can flip on the ball game.

Do the waiting room patients know they are being videoed? I wonder if having a camera on the wall reduces bad behavior like ripping up the magazines and throwing gum wrappers under the chairs.

I think most of the time they see the camera, but certainly there are times when they do not. But, yeah, I think it does reduce such behavior.

When a patient asks about it, I just explain that this takes the place of a receptionist who would be doing the same thing, that "no" they are not being recorded, and that if an "elderly patient should collapse in my waiting room, I can respond immediately." They usually then understand what a good idea it is.

Peter:

I am in process of setting up something similar now that I am without a receptionist (and loving it). What program are you using? I'm looking at TinCam and have wondered if even something like Skype or Gmail video would work...

Carla Gibson
Missoula, MT

I have used a Linksys wireless camera with its associated viewer software for years. It has really been handy. It's possible to view it over the internet, to record video, and though never got into it, has motion detection with email alert. It was around $250 for the whole thing.

I am just testing out this new wireless CCTV. But I could easily continue using the other. I am also considering adding an intercom of some kind so that I can alert someone, "I'll be right with you", instead of interrupting my patient or leaving someone in the waiting room confused for minutes at a time.

Of course, that's only an issue with new patients. Those who have seen me previously are "with it" and just have a seat, knowing that I'll pop out of the exam room when I'm finished.

I am not familiar enough with those options you mentioned, though I have heard of them. The question would be whether gmail or skype requires any manual input or confirmation from the other end? On the other hand if it's always on...maybe it would work.