Search Results (12)

Monitoring students’ on-screen availability is increasingly critical for analyzing participation patterns in synchronous online learning, especially under videoconferencing conditions characterized by compressed video streams, low-resolution face regions, fluctuating bandwidth, and dynamically reconfigured grid layouts. This study introduces a practical computer vision pipeline that integrates deep learning-based face detection, lightweight embedding-based identity matching, and frame-level temporal aggregation to estimate students’ visual presence (VP) during live online classes. A real-world dataset comprising 27 participants and 16,200 frames was collected under authentic conditions, including codec compression, variable image quality, and dynamic layout changes. Four widely used face detection models (Haar Cascade, DSFD, MTCNN, and YuNet) were benchmarked on noisy and low-quality images. Quantitative evaluation on a manually annotated subset of 270 frames demonstrates that MTCNN and YuNet yield lower average VP estimation errors (27.63% and 22.20%, respectively) compared to Haar Cascade (75.34%) and DSFD (47.14%), with YuNet also achieving the shortest average processing time of 0.069 s per frame. While the pipeline is intentionally streamlined to facilitate practical use by instructors, the study provides clearly defined steps and parameter settings, establishing a reproducible procedure for benchmarking face detection performance in synchronous online class environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unmet oral health needs of residents in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) arise due to the unique challenges of assessing oral health statuses and maintaining oral healthcare in RACFs. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using real-time teledentistry under the guidance of a dentist to train RACF staff to undertake an oral health assessment. Methods: An oral health assessment of residents was first conducted by RACF staff at two Queensland, Australia RACFs using the Oral Health Assessment Tool, with an intra-oral camera connected to a laptop, through videoconferencing, under the guidance of a dentist. A survey recorded the views of RACF staff on the acceptability of the teledentistry method. The quality of the images obtained through the camera was assessed by the dentist. Finally, cost-effectiveness was calculated between teledentistry and traditional face-to-face assessments. Results: Sixteen residents (mean age 79.3 ± 8.68 years) and eight staff (mean age 33.3 ± 6.16 years) participated in this study. Both RACF staff and residents found that the real-time teledentistry set-up was user-friendly, while the dentist rated the quality of the images as acceptable for diagnostic purposes. Real-time teledentistry was more cost-effective than bringing a dentist on-site, while taking the RACF residents to an off-site dental office for examination was the most expensive approach. Conclusions: Real-time teledentistry is feasible and cost-effective, and it is an acceptable alternative to a face-to-face clinical exam for oral health assessment in RACFs. This approach could be used in RACFs where wireless internet connectivity is available. Full article

This study investigates the impact of real-time emotional feedback on the quality of teamwork conducted over videoconferencing. We developed a framework that provides real-time feedback through a virtual mirror based on facial and voice emotion recognition. In an experiment with 28 teams (84 participants), teams collaborated over Zoom (version 5.16.6) to set up a virtual Mars station using custom simulation software (Mars Star City, version 4.0). Participants were divided into 14 experimental teams, which were shown the virtual mirror, and 14 control teams without it. Team performance was measured by the improvement in the Mars simulation output quality. Our analysis using correlation, multi-level regression, and machine learning revealed that fewer interruptions but an increasing number over time correlated with higher performance. Higher vocal arousal and happiness also enhanced performance. We confirmed that female presence in teams boosts performance. SHAP values indicated that high variability in happiness, head movement, and positive facial valence—an “emotional rollercoaster”—positively predicted team performance. The experimental group outperformed the control group, suggesting that virtual mirroring improves virtual teamwork and that interrupting each other more while speaking less, leads to better results. Full article

Although supervised and real-time telerehabilitation by videoconferencing is now becoming common for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), its efficacy for balance and gait is still unclear. This paper uses a scoping approach to review the current evidence on the effects of telerehabilitation by videoconferencing on balance and gait for patients with PD. We also explored whether studies have used wearable technology during telerehabilitation to assess and treat balance and gait via videoconferencing. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, ISI’s Web of Knowledge, Cochrane’s Library, and Embase. The data were extracted for study design, treatment, and outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in this review. Of these, seven studies investigated the effects of telerehabilitation (e.g., tele-yoga and adapted physiotherapy exercises) on balance and gait measures (e.g., self-reported balance, balance scale, walking speed, mobility, and motor symptoms) using videoconferencing in both assessment and treatment. The telerehabilitation programs by videoconferencing were feasible and safe for people with PD; however, the efficacy still needs to be determined, as only four studies had a parallel group. In addition, no study used wearable technology. Robust evidence of the effects of telerehabilitation by videoconferencing on balance and gait for patients with PD was not found, suggesting that future powered, prospective, and robust clinical trials are needed. Full article

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, teleophthalmology provided access to eye care for rural populations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of and satisfaction with an integrated real-time videoconferencing module. This project incorporated ophthalmic instruments and telecommunication devices and provided on-site consultations via videoconferencing. Both patients and healthcare providers completed satisfaction questionnaires. From May 2020 to May 2021, this project provided eye care services to 395 patients (aged 6–90 years). The most frequent eye condition was chronic conjunctivitis (n = 197), followed by senile cataract (n = 163), dry eye (n = 103), and refractive error (n = 95). Among them, 40 (10.1%) patients were referred to secondary or tertiary hospitals for further evaluation or treatment. In total, 181 recruited respondents provided good satisfaction scores in all dimensions, including quality of medical care (4.50 of 5.00), financial aspects of care (4.48), supportive attitude toward the project (4.47), quality of service (4.40), and quality of telecommunication (4.40). Women had a substantially more supportive attitude toward the project, and 25 healthcare providers provided low ratings in areas representing the quality of telecommunication (4.04) and user-friendliness of the instrument (4.00). This teleophthalmology system provided efficient and satisfactory eye care to participants in remote communities. However, better internet access and training in instrument use can reduce obstacles to the future implementation of the project. Full article

Teledentistry is an online dental care service that allows patients and dentists to meet in real time, safely, without being at the same location. During the COVID-19 pandemic, real-time videoconferencing has gained popularity in the field of teledentistry, with numerous benefits for both patients and dentists. Online consultations can minimize costs, maximize time, and provide more convenient care options for both patients and dentists. When practicing teledentistry, a dentist must establish a good doctor–patient relationship. Dentists must ensure that the telecommunication solution that they choose meets their clinical requirements and complies with privacy laws. Dentists should provide adequate information to patients about the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages that may occur during online consultation. Dentists must follow guidelines and procedures regarding informed consent, patient details, personal communications, and consultancies’ privacy and confidentiality. The patient should be aware of the limitations of teledentistry, and dentists will provide the best advice possible in the absence of a face-to-face consultation. This article discusses how teledentistry could be an effective tool for dentists and patients. Full article

To investigate the efficacy of exercise intervention using a real-time video conferencing platform (ZOOM) on inter-recti distance, abdominal muscle thickness, static trunk endurance, and maternal quality of life, 37 women with diastasis recti between six months and one year postpartum were randomly divided into the online (n = 19) and offline (n = 18) groups. The online group underwent 40-min trunk stabilization exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks, through a real-time video conference platform, while the offline group attended the same program in person. The inter-recti distance and muscle thickness between the abdominal muscles were measured by rehabilitation ultrasound imaging, the Torso endurance test was used to compare the static trunk endurance, and the maternal quality of life questionnaire (MAPP-QOL, score) was applied. Significant improvements were observed in the inter-recti distance between the rectus abdominis, abdominal muscle thickness, static trunk endurance, and maternal quality of life in both groups (p < 0.001); a more significant improvement was observed in the offline group. No significant differences were observed between groups except for the left rectus abdominis thickness and Psychological/Baby and Relational/Spouse-Partner subscale in the maternal quality of life index (p > 0.05). Exercise interventions delivered in a real-time videoconferencing platform are effective at improving the inter-recti distance, trunk stability, and quality of life in postpartum women and may be an alternate to face-to-face intervention. Full article

There is currently limited evidence supporting the use of telepractice to conduct bottle-feeding assessments. This study aimed to investigate the inter-rater reliability of bottle-feeding assessments conducted via synchronous telepractice (real-time videoconferencing). Secondary aims were to investigate parent and clinician satisfaction. Bottle-feeding skills of 30 children (aged 1 month–2 years) were simultaneously assessed by a telepractice SP (T-SP) at a remote location and an in-person SP (IP-SP) at the family home. A purpose-designed assessment form was used to evaluate: (1) developmental level (screen only), (2) state, color, and respiration, (3) oral motor skills, (4), infant oral reflexes, (5) tongue tie (screen only), (6) non-nutritive suck, (7) bottle-feeding, (8) overall feeding skills and (9) recommendations. Results of the T-SP and IP-SP assessments were compared using agreement statistics. Parents reported perceptions of telepractice pre and post session, and also rated post-session satisfaction. The telepractice SP completed a satisfaction questionnaire post-appointment. The majority of assessment components (45/53, 85%) met the agreement criteria (≥80% exact agreement). Difficulties were noted for the assessment of palate integrity, gagging during non-nutritive suck assessment, and 6 components of the tongue tie screen. Parent and clinician satisfaction was high; SPs reported that they would offer telepractice services to 93% of families again in the future. Overall, the results demonstrated that most components of a bottle-feeding assessment could be reliably completed via synchronous telepractice in family homes. However, further research is required to improve the reliability of some intra-oral assessment components. Full article

The aim of this paper is to present a new original software platform, called LabConcept, that is designed for monitoring health activity in order to establish a more efficient treatment plan and provide a better lifestyle via telemedicine. It is fully designed by the authors and embeds all the patient’s healthcare information into a mobile software application, compatible with smartphones, laptops or other mobile devices. The novelty consists in standardizing the laboratory and the point-of-care results into a Quick Response (QR) code that is printed on every result bulletin issued and given to the patient after his routine blood assays are performed. Compared to the existing telemedicine software (VSee, Teladoc, TheraPlatform, Chiron Health), which have the basic videoconferencing role, LabConcept has a set of new important features that start from the concept of telemedicine, designed to load and create databases for all the assayed results in order to be sent to the doctor’s LabConcept application for professional interpretation. The software also analyzes the clinical evolution of an assay on a user-predefined period of time, automatically pre-diagnoses and alerts the user about a potential disorder from the stored results and records comments regarding the efficiency of the patient’s treatment plan. LabConcept is an easy and safe end-to-end real-time patient–doctor communication channel, conducive to improved monitoring and treatment procedures for the patient. Full article

Background: By 2050, 80% of the world’s older population will reside in developing countries. There is a need for culturally appropriate training programs to increase awareness of eldercare issues, promote knowledge of how to better allocate resources to geriatric services, and promulgate elder-friendly policies. A monthly distance geriatric education programme between a public hospital in Singapore and health institute in Uganda was implemented. This study explored the enablers and barriers to the delivery of culturally appropriate geriatric education programmes via a videoconferencing platform. Methods: We conducted 12 in-depth interviews with six teachers from Singapore and six learners from Uganda. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach to analysis with the aid of the NVivo software. Results: Enablers included inter-personal real-time interactions between teachers and learners whereas misaligned perceptions of cross-cultural differences between Singaporean teachers and Ugandan learners were a barrier. Rapport building, teacher motivation and institutional support were perceived to contribute to the programme’s sustainability. Overall, Ugandan learners perceived that the training improved knowledge, skills, attitude and practice of geriatric care. Participants suggested that future initiatives consider aligning cross-cultural perceptions between partners, conducting a training needs analysis, exploring complementary modes of information dissemination, and allotting time for more interaction, thereby reinforcing mutual sharing. Adequate publicity and appropriate incentivisation may also better sustain the programme. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cross-cultural training via a videoconferencing platform was feasible. Our results inform planners of future distance educational programmes of how to improve standards of cross-cultural competency and forge promising international partnerships. Full article

Continuous monitoring and management of a person’s symptoms and performance status are critical for the delivery of effective palliative care. This monitoring occurs routinely in inpatient settings; however, such close evaluation in the community has remained elusive. Patient self-reporting using telehealth offers opportunities to identify symptom escalation and functional decline in real time, and facilitate timely proactive management. We report the case of a 57­year-old man with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who participated in a telehealth trial run by a community palliative care service. This gentleman was able to complete self-reporting of function and symptoms via iPad although at times he was reticent to do so. Self-reporting was perceived as a means to communicate his clinical needs without being a bother to the community palliative care team. He also participated in a videoconference with clinical staff from the community palliative care service and his General Practitioner. Videoconferencing with the nurse and GP was highly valued as an effective way to communicate and also because it eliminated the need for travel. This case report provides important information about the feasibility and acceptability of palliative care telehealth as a way to better manage clinical care in a community setting. Full article

Background: Video-consultation (VC) is a specialized type of telemedicine that uses technology to provide real-time visual and audio patient assessment at a distance. In the present review, we set out to evaluate whether VC is feasible for the assessment, monitoring, and management of oncology patients. Methods: A search strategy designed to capture studies that addressed the use of telemedicine to deliver cancer care identified relevant articles in the medline (1966 to September 2008) and PubMed (to 2008) databases. Articles were included if they described studies incorporating: (1) video-conferencing between patient and provider for assessment or monitoring, (2) physicians or nurses as the care providers, (3) cancer patients, (4) consultation in real-time, and (5) reporting of 1 or more outcomes. Results: Of the more than three hundred articles retrieved, nineteen articles describing 15 unique patient populations involving 709 patients were inclusded in the analysis. No randomized trials were located. Eight studies included a control group; seven involved a case series. The most commonly reported outcomes were patient satisfaction (ten studies), cost to perform consultation (six studies), patient preference for VC compared with in-person consultation (five studies), provider satisfaction (four studies), and provider convenience (four studies). Of these outcomes, satisfaction on the part of patients and physicians has been positive overall, total costs were comparable to or less than those for in-person consultations, and patients valued having vc as an option for consultation. Outcomes evaluating the effect on clinical care were infrequently reported. Conclusions: While there is evidence to suggest that vc is both feasible and effective for use in the clinical care of oncology patients, studies are generally small and methodologically weak, with limited power of inference. Full article