Virtual Presenters Deliver Medical Information
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VideoTile, the leading corporate video production company, is working on a pioneering project to provide patients at the Springhall Medical Centre in Halifax with practice information using virtual presenters, web video production and video touch screens in the surgery.
A video touch screen will also be installed in Boots the Chemists in Halifax town centre – part of an initiative to bring medical service information closer to the community.
The new touch screen's video presenter will interact with patients and answer a range of common questions. Typical answers will cover prescriptions, appointments, immunisations, the availability of clinics and test result procedures. Other information delivered by the video presenter will include a general description of the Springhall practice and an introduction to the doctors and nurses who work there.
When planning the new screen interface, the VideoTile corporate video production team spent time observing how patients interacted with existing touch screens in the surgery reception area.
To overcome any patient reluctance, the on screen video presenter moves slightly and provides pieces of information at regular intervals. This makes people feel more comfortable with the system and encourages them to ask a question.
Initially, the content was written in English, but, given the high proportion of Urdu-speaking patients at the practice, it was decided to produce an Urdu language version.
"Compared with other corporate video production projects, this has been quite a challenge," said VideoTile's David Hines. "But with some great co-operation from translators, we were able to direct and edit the video footage to everyone's satisfaction. All the video content was checked to identify and incorporate different cultural aspects."
"This pioneering video production using video presenters is part of a larger government initiative to improve the relationship between medical professionals and patients," adds David.
VideoTile's Springhall Medical Centre video presenter touch screens and web video production will be going live towards the end of 2009.
