Education for regional health professionals using mobile videoconferencing

We delivered professional education into the wards of two remote hospitals using mobile videoconferencing units. The telepaediatric clinical forums were provided to remote clinicians by medical, nursing and allied health specialists at the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane. The topics comprised formal and informal presentations, clinical case discussions and an opportunity to raise questions. At the end of each videoconference session, participants were asked to complete a survey. During the first four months, a total of 23 clinical forums took place and a total of 201 remote clinicians attended the sessions. We received 166 evaluation surveys (83% response rate). Overall, the results were very positive: 88% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions were relevant, of adequate depth (86%) and provided new content (90%). Transmission quality was satisfactory, with the majority of participants agreeing that the audio (82%) and video quality (91%) were acceptable. Participants consistently indicated that they had adequate opportunity for questions and discussion. Ninety-seven percent of staff agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions should be continued routinely. Regional clinicians reported that they were much more likely to be able to attend the sessions because they did not have to leave their departments. The telepaediatric clinical forums appear to be an effective and efficient method of supporting clinical staff working in regional areas of Queensland.