Videoconferencing Software Options for Telemedicine: A Review for Movement Disorder Neurologists

• Published in: Frontiers in neurology Vol. 12; p. 745917
• Main Authors: Cubo, Esther, Arnaiz-Rodriguez, Adrian, Arnaiz-González, Álvar, Díez-Pastor, José Francisco, Spindler, Meredith, Cardozo, Adriana, Garcia-Bustillo, Alvaro, Mari, Zoltan, Bloem, Bastiaan R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 11.10.2021
• Subjects: movement disorders; Neurology; Parkinson's disease; telehealth; telemedicine; videoconference
• ISSN: 1664-2295; 1664-2295
• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.745917

Background: The use of telemedicine has increased to address the ongoing healthcare needs of patients with movement disorders. Objective: We aimed to describe the technical and basic security features of the most popular telemedicine videoconferencing software. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of articles/websites about “Telemedicine,” “Cybersecurity,” and “Videoconferencing software.” Technical capabilities and basic security features were determined for each videoconferencing software. Results: Twenty-six videoconferencing software programs were reviewed, 13 (50.0%) were specifically designed for general healthcare, and 6/26 (23.0%) were compliant with European and US regulations. Overall technical and security information were found in 5/26 software (19.2%), including Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, Coviu, Doxy.me, and Thera platforms. Conclusions: Detailed information about technical capabilities and data security of videoconferencing tools is not easily and openly retrievable. Our data serves as a guide for practitioners seeking to understand what features should be examined when choosing software and what options are available.