Video-mediated communication in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings: examining technical quality and content

This study aims to determine how videoconferencing quality impacts the style and content of communication between members of hospice interdisciplinary teams and patients and their families. We videotaped video-calls between hospice teams and family caregivers based on the use of low-cost videophones. We assessed their audio and video quality using both a form that was filled out on site and a protocol for retrospective analysis. The tapes were transcribed and a content analysis was performed to assess the themes of interaction. A total of 70 video-calls were analyzed. The time spent on general informal talk was significantly correlated to the video and audio quality of the session (r=0.43 and 0.41 respectively, p<0.001). The time spent addressing psychosocial issues and on caregiver education correlated significantly to video and audio quality. This study demonstrates the potential of video-mediated communication that supports shared decision making in hospice.