title: Low-cost three-channel video for assessment of the clinical consultation.
abstract: Single-channel video is an established method for assessing the clinical consultation; however, it has limitations. While previous research has concluded that three-channel video recording of clinical consultations offers advantages, using professional equipment made costs prohibitive. In this study we set out to establish whether the benefits of three-channel video could be achieved using low-budget consumer-level equipment. Using a kit assembled for around euro 1000, we produced three-channel video recordings of simulated consultations. We then showed single- and three-channel versions of the videos to a panel of health professionals and recorded their opinions regarding the quality of the material and the level of information presented. We found that our budget three-channel set-up provided the same advantages as professional three-channel video, while the cost and complexity of the process was minimal. It is now affordable as well as feasible to use a budget set-up three-channel video system for training clinicians and assessing the impact of the computer on the consultation.
authors.affiliation: St George's - University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sheeler
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Koczan
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wallage
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Lusignan
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016544:Patient Simulation; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation*