Joining a Telemedicine Video Call

Before starting your video call, ensure you have the proper technical setup and understand the video call controls available in CureCompanion.

Pre-Call Requirements

Browser Compatibility

CureCompanion video calls work best with modern web browsers. Supported browsers include:

  • Chrome (latest release version) – Recommended
  • Firefox (latest release version)
  • Safari (version 14 or later)
  • Edge (version 80 or later)

Note: Internet Explorer is not supported for video calls.

Camera and Microphone Setup

Before joining your first video call, verify that your camera and microphone are working properly:

  1. Check that your camera is connected and functioning
  2. Ensure your microphone is connected and not muted
  3. Test your audio levels to avoid feedback or low volume issues
  4. Position your camera at eye level for optimal patient interaction

Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for quality video consultations:

  • Minimum 1 Mbps upload and 1 Mbps download speed
  • Recommended: 2 Mbps upload and 2 Mbps download for optimal quality
  • Close unnecessary applications that may use bandwidth

Joining a Video Call

  1. Navigate to your visit schedule page by clicking on the logo icon on the top left corner.
  2. Locate the visit you want to join from your daily calendar
  3. Click on the visit card to open the visit details page

Call Connection Process

When you click to join the call:

  1. Your browser will request camera and microphone permissions
  2. Allow access to both camera and microphone when prompted
  3. The video interface will initialize
  4. You’ll see your own video preview before the patient joins

Video Call Interface and Controls

Video Call Layout

Once in the video call, you’ll see:

  • Patient video area with “Waiting for [Patient Name] to join…” message
  • Top navigation bar with control icons
  • “Mute” button in the self video area on hover

Navigation Bar Controls

The top navigation bar contains these control icons:

Hover on each icon to view its description.

Camera Control (camera icon)

  • Tooltip: “Turn Camera Off / On”
  • Click to toggle your video feed on/off

Connection Refresh (refresh icon)

  • Tooltip: “Refresh connection”
  • Click to refresh the video call connection if experiencing issues

Share Call Link (share icon)

  • Tooltip: “Share call link”
  • Allows sharing the call link with participants

Audio/Video Settings (video icon)

  • Tooltip: “Change audio/video devices”
  • Opens device selection modal for camera and microphone options
  • Select from available video devices (e.g., “Integrated Camera”)
  • Select from available audio devices (e.g., “Default”, specific microphones)

Toggle View (transfer icon)

  • Tooltip: “Toggle view”
  • Switch between different video layout options

Minimize Video (resize icon)

  • Tooltip: “Minimize video”
  • Minimize the video call window

End Call (remove/X icon)

  • Tooltip: “End call”
  • Terminates the video call session

Microphone Control

  • “Mute” button located within the video area
  • Click to mute/unmute your audio during the call

Video Layout Options

The video call interface provides:

Default Layout

  • Provider video displayed in smaller window
  • Patient video area displayed in larger window

Toggle View Option

  • Use the “Toggle view” button (transfer icon) to switch layouts
  • Exact layout options depend on call status and participants

Minimize Option

  • Use “Minimize video” button to reduce video call window size
  • Allows multitasking while maintaining video connection

Connection Troubleshooting

Common Audio Issues

No Audio from Patient

  1. Check that your own microphone is not muted
  2. Ask the patient to check their microphone settings
  3. Refresh the video call if audio issues persist

Audio Feedback or Echo

  1. Ensure you’re using headphones or have speakers at low volume
  2. Ask the patient to mute when not speaking
  3. Check for multiple devices accessing the call

Common Video Issues

Patient Video Not Showing

  1. Verify the patient has granted camera permissions
  2. Ask the patient to refresh their browser
  3. Check if the patient’s camera is being used by another application

Poor Video Quality

  1. Ask the patient to close other applications using bandwidth
  2. Suggest the patient move closer to their WiFi router

Connection Problems

Call Drops or Disconnections

  1. Attempt to rejoin the call using the same method
  2. Contact the patient via phone if available to coordinate reconnection
  3. Use the secure messaging feature within CureCompanion
  4. Reschedule the appointment if technical issues persist

Unable to Join Call

  1. Refresh your browser and try again
  2. Check that you are using a supported browser
  3. Verify camera and microphone permissions have been granted
  4. Clear browser cache and cookies if issues persist
  5. Try using a different supported browser (Chrome recommended)
  6. Use the “Refresh connection” button if the call interface loads but doesn’t connect
  7. Contact your system administrator or technical support for persistent issues

Ending the Video Call

Normal Call Completion

To end the video call when the consultation is complete:

  1. Click the “End call” button (X icon) in the top navigation bar
  2. The call will terminate and display “Call ended” message
  3. You’ll see options to “Review” or “Connect again”

Post-Call Options

After ending the call, you have two choices:

Review Option

  • Click the “Review” button (with document icon)
  • Returns you directly to the visit documentation page
  • Allows immediate access to visit notes, progress documentation, and medical records

Connect Again Option

  • Click the “Connect again” button (with phone icon)
  • Rejoins the same video call session
  • Useful if the call was ended accidentally or connection needs to be reestablished

Post-Call Actions

When you click “Review” after ending the call:

  1. You return to the visit details page (/app/visits/[visitId])
  2. Complete your visit documentation using the Progress Note section
  3. The AI-generated assessment will be populated with visit analysis
  4. Review and edit the SOAP format documentation as needed
  5. Sign the visit when documentation is complete using the signature area

Best Practices for Video Visits

Professional Appearance

  • Position your camera at eye level for natural interaction
  • Ensure good lighting on your face (avoid backlighting)
  • Choose a professional background or quiet environment
  • Test your video appearance using the camera preview before joining

Technical Preparation

  • Test your setup before each day’s first call using the device settings
  • Use the “Change audio/video devices” option to verify camera and microphone
  • Ensure stable internet connection (minimum 1-2 Mbps recommended)
  • Close unnecessary applications to preserve bandwidth
  • Keep backup communication methods available

During the Call

  • Speak clearly and allow for slight audio delays
  • Use the “Mute” button when not speaking to reduce background noise
  • Monitor connection quality and use “Refresh connection” if needed
  • Have technical support contact information readily available

Audio Equipment Recommendations

  • Headsets: Use headphones to prevent echo and feedback
  • Built-in Options: Laptop built-in microphone and speakers work for basic consultations
  • External Microphones: USB microphones provide better audio quality
  • Earphones/Headphones: Use high-quality earphones or headphones to hear heart and lung sounds
  • Test audio levels using the device settings before starting your first appointment each day