A qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness of videoconferencing to support the training of orthopaedic registrars

Abstract

Videoconferencing has been used for the professional supervision of trainee orthopaedic registrars at the Toowoomba Hospital. We have conducted a qualitative evaluation of the perceptions of those involved. Six focus groups were held with doctors, nurses, patients and other healthcare administration staff. In total there were 12 staff involved and six patients. A qualitative analysis of the transcripts resulted in a set of determinants of the perceived effectiveness of the videoconferencing system. Some were positive and some were negative factors. For example, the participants expressed a view that a videoconferencing system was better than the previous system of communication, which was via a telephone or email. However, the participants felt that the system was limited by the technology employed. It appears that there was widespread approval for the use of videoconferencing for remote supervision of orthopaedic trainees. While the participants felt that this could yield benefits, the size of these benefits has yet to be determined.