title: How to teleconference effectively.
abstract: Teleconferencing, whereby a meeting is conducted over the telephone, is a convenient way of getting clinical, management or research business done for people residing in different locations, saving travelling time and costs, and reducing carbon emissions. Despite the convenience, teleconferences are often run poorly, due to inadequate planning or lack of understanding of the technology. Non-engaged participants typing emails, loud background noises and failure of the chair to bring in all participants and sum up are common problems. This Perspectives article seeks to offer some simple practical guidance to those hosting and participating in teleconferences in order to improve effective communication and efficient decision making.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, U.K.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, U.K.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Chalmers
mesh_terms: D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*