Privacy and Technical issues with Telehealth
Privacy in online communications
The privacy of any form of communication via the internet or a mobile device is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology. On video calls, Penny will be using a telehealth delivery platform (Doxy.me) which complies with Australian standards to protect the privacy and security of the video consultations. Click here to get step by step instructions on how to set up your device and which browser to use.
Penny’s preference is to use the video technology as it offers better privacy and security than telephone sessions, and gives Penny more nonverbal information during a therapy session, which is likely to improve on the service she offers you in the session. If a video connection is disrupted, or you are unable to make use of video conferencing, or prefer telephone, Penny will conduct the service via telephone.
For video online sessions, you will be sent a link to the video appointment. If you log on early (which you can do to test Doxy.me and set up your camera position) you will appear in a virtual waiting room and Penny will see you there. She will click on your name when your appointment begins. If you are not there, she will phone you.
Equipment
To access telehealth consultations, you will need access to a quiet, private space; and the appropriate device, i.e. smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable broadband connection. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in. Laptops or desktop computers are preferable as they have larger screens. Small mobile screens move and it can get uncomfortable holding them for the duration of the appointment.
Wearing headphones so that only you can hear what we are discussing will add a layer of confidentiality that may not otherwise be possible in your household.
Stereo headphones will also be necessary if we are doing an EMDR session with audio bilateral stimulation which requires stereo audio tracks.
Connectivity
Maximize your connectivity by closing all applications and windows on your device that will not need to be in use during the session. Turn off messaging. If your wifi connection is unstable, you may need to tether the video session using your phone hotspot. Be mindful of internet data usage and how you are charged for this by your provider. Please be aware that you are responsible for any costs incurred in relation to the provision of your own software, hardware and data usage associated with this telehealth service. You may prefer to switch to a telephone consult if the internet connection drops out.
Use of therapy session materials
Penny will not make recordings of your sessions or use material from your sessions for purposes other than delivering a service to you. Penny asks you to respect her privacy by agreeing not to make recordings of your sessions and not to use materials from your sessions for purposes other than therapy. If you wish to record sessions or use session material for other purposes, you must seek Penny’s consent to do so. Use of video or audio recording is not permitted to be used for any other purposes, including providing the recording to anyone else in person or on social media.
The privacy of any form of communication via the internet or a mobile device is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology. On video calls, Penny will be using a telehealth delivery platform (Doxy.me) which complies with Australian standards to protect the privacy and security of the video consultations. Click here to get step by step instructions on how to set up your device and which browser to use.
Penny’s preference is to use the video technology as it offers better privacy and security than telephone sessions, and gives Penny more nonverbal information during a therapy session, which is likely to improve on the service she offers you in the session. If a video connection is disrupted, or you are unable to make use of video conferencing, or prefer telephone, Penny will conduct the service via telephone.
For video online sessions, you will be sent a link to the video appointment. If you log on early (which you can do to test Doxy.me and set up your camera position) you will appear in a virtual waiting room and Penny will see you there. She will click on your name when your appointment begins. If you are not there, she will phone you.
Equipment
To access telehealth consultations, you will need access to a quiet, private space; and the appropriate device, i.e. smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable broadband connection. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in. Laptops or desktop computers are preferable as they have larger screens. Small mobile screens move and it can get uncomfortable holding them for the duration of the appointment.
Wearing headphones so that only you can hear what we are discussing will add a layer of confidentiality that may not otherwise be possible in your household.
Stereo headphones will also be necessary if we are doing an EMDR session with audio bilateral stimulation which requires stereo audio tracks.
Connectivity
Maximize your connectivity by closing all applications and windows on your device that will not need to be in use during the session. Turn off messaging. If your wifi connection is unstable, you may need to tether the video session using your phone hotspot. Be mindful of internet data usage and how you are charged for this by your provider. Please be aware that you are responsible for any costs incurred in relation to the provision of your own software, hardware and data usage associated with this telehealth service. You may prefer to switch to a telephone consult if the internet connection drops out.
Use of therapy session materials
Penny will not make recordings of your sessions or use material from your sessions for purposes other than delivering a service to you. Penny asks you to respect her privacy by agreeing not to make recordings of your sessions and not to use materials from your sessions for purposes other than therapy. If you wish to record sessions or use session material for other purposes, you must seek Penny’s consent to do so. Use of video or audio recording is not permitted to be used for any other purposes, including providing the recording to anyone else in person or on social media.