Evaluation of the use of videoconferences for healthcare planning

Abstract

The use of Computer Supported Co-operative Work (CSCW) systems in general involves complex informal communication between multiple users at different geographical locations. An evaluation strategy for such systems has to be complex and focus especially on their organizational and social aspects. The MOA-E model is used for the evaluation of the use of videoconferences in healthcare planning. The case study has a multi-method approach and uses participatory observation, interviews and a questionnaire. If the patients are not well enough then face-to-face meetings are found more appropriate than video-conferences for healthcare planning. The case study may be seen as a ‘critical case’ for the use of videoconferences with elderly people. The MOA-E model has contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the case study.