There are also downloadable leaflets available to support you to join your video consultation.
Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment PDF leaflet
Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment Word leaflet – A Word version of the leaflet for use with a screen reader.
Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment Easy Read leaflet – An Easy Read format, which is an accessible format designed for people with a learning disability.
Video Consultations – Joining a Group Session PDF leaflet – If you have been invited to join a group session via video you will find additional guidance in this leaflet.
Video consultations for patients
Some of our outpatient services now offer video consultations for selected appointments.
If you are offered a video consultation, this means you can connect with your health professional by a video call using Microsoft Teams.
You will need a device that allows video calling and can connect to the internet. If you do not have access to this equipment you will be offered a telephone or face-to-face appointment instead.
The video above will support you in joining your video consultation from your chosen device.
What can you expect?
You will only be offered a video consultation if it is suitable for you and your care plan.
A video consultation is very similar to a face-to-face appointment. Your clinician will ask you questions about your health to workout the best treatment for you. You can also ask any questions you might have. You will get the same care.
What will you need?
A computer, smartphone or tablet that allows video calling and has an internet connection.
What happens next?
If your outpatient service is using video consultations, a member of staff will ask for your email address either by calling you or at your next appointment.
If your clinician books a video consultation appointment for you, you will receive an email with the date and time of your appointment.
The email will also contain a link to join your video consultation, as well as information on how to join. Please read the information carefully.
Don’t worry. We will send you reminders about your video consultation appointment.
If your clinician has told you that you might have a video consultationn in the future please remember to regularly check your spam/junk folder.
For more information on joining your video consultation, download our Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment PDF leaflet
You can also download a Word version of the leaflet for use with a screen reader: Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment Word leaflet
This leaflet is also available in an Easy Read format, which is an accessible format designed for people with a learning disability: Video Consultations – Joining Your Appointment Easy Read leaflet
Video group sessions
Video group sessions can be used for many reasons, for example to deliver group therapy sessions, to provide advice, education or training or to facilitate information and awareness events.
If you have been invited to a group session, you can download this leaflet for additional guidance: Video Consultations – Joining a Group Session PDF leaflet
It is very important to remember that you are in a group session. Joining the video call using your first name only will help ensure your privacy.
Getting ready for your video consultation
Internet connection: Video consultations work best with a strong internet connection. If your connection is poor, this can affect the quality of your call and your time with the clinical team.
Location: A well lit, quiet private space is best for your appointment.
Appointment time: Please join your appointment at the correct time, you will wait in a virtual waiting room. You might need to wait for your clinician to arrive, as you would for a face-to-face appointment. Please do not leave, close or refresh the meeting.
Friend or relative: You can have someone with you during your video consultation.
Questions: Have a think about any questions you might have for your clinician. It is also a good idea to have a pen and paper handy to make any notes.
Frequently asked questions
What if I get cut off during my appointment?
If this happens your email link will still work to reconnect to the service. Please ensure you have a good internet connection before calling to prevent this from happening.
How confidential is my consultation?
Your clinician will ensure that your appointment is private and confidential. The appointment uses an encrypted link and is completely secure. Your consultation will not be recorded by your clinician.
Why is my appointment a video consultation?
Your clinician decided that you and this appointment type were suitable for a video consultation.
What if I need to change my video consultation appointment?
If you need to change the time or date of your video consultation appointment, please contact us to rearrange on the telephone number provided in your email.
The benefits of video consultations
The Belfast Trust has been asking patients for feedback on having their appointment via video call.
The following video highlights some of the benefits that patients and service users have experienced by having a video consultation.
This video is also available to watch with British or Irish Sign Language.