Preparing for a video call

For your video appointment, you need:

• A desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, with a built-in camera, speaker, and microphone
• A web browser like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox
• A good internet connection — good enough to watch YouTube or video call 
• Somewhere quiet, private, away from distractions, and well lit
• A comfortable chair
• Headphones — if possible
• A notepad and pen
• A list of any questions you have

If you use a tablet or smart phone:

• Prop it up with a pile of books or a cookbook stand — so it stays steady, and your hands are free to take notes
• Connect it to your Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi usually has a better connection than mobile data

When it's time for your appointment, click the link we emailed to you and join the appointment by video. 

You can join your video appointment through browsers such as Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

These tips will help you get the most out of your video appointment:

• Your first video appointment normally takes 20 minutes
• You can have your video turned off if you want — just make sure your microphone is on
• If you have your video on, when the nurse appears on your screen, say hello and wave — to check the sound and video are working properly
• There might be a small lag on the video call — you might speak over each other from time to time. Don't worry, that's common on video calls — be patient and take the conversation slowly
• If you have problems with the video, tell your nurse. They can repeat anything important that you might have missed
• Ask if you need something to be explained again

During the appointment your nurse will:

• Ask you what you're thinking about
• Ask questions about your health
• Make some assessments
• Talk about your action plan and what happens next

Remember: you can ask questions, and take notes if you want.

Video appointments are private, and secure. Your nurse calls you from a private room, with secure access to your health records.

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