Physicians' perceptions of clinical supervision and educational support via videoconference: a systematic review

We conducted a systematic review of the perceptions of physicians about clinical supervision and educational support via videoconferencing. A search of literature databases, reference lists and specific journals was performed for relevant articles published between 1990 and 2013. A total of 1288 studies were identified, of which 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for review. Six studies concerned education, six concerned clinical practice and one concerned supervision. The studies employed a wide variety of methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, so a meta-analysis was not practicable. Overall satisfaction and acceptance rates were reported in nine studies, mainly using Likert scales. Several positive aspects of videoconferencing were reported, including increased education and clinical practice support, and autonomy for rural areas. The main negative aspects related to the technology itself, poorer interaction and decreased rapport building when using videoconferencing. There is a paucity of literature regarding the perceptions of videoconferencing-based supervision of junior doctors in rural areas. No studies have considered measures of cost effectiveness. More rigorous study design in future research is recommended.