Video Sessions – Frequently Asked Questions

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are only able to offer a limited number of face to face appointments. We are aware that the risk of infection in healthcare settings can be higher, and we want to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Therefore, in order to continue to provide high quality care we have introduced video sessions, as this is the closest thing to ‘face to face’ that is currently available.

There is research to show that healthcare appointments and psychological therapy can effectively be delivered via video, and many therapists have been offering this for a number of years already. There are also a number of additional benefits to video sessions which we’ve highlighted below.

• It’s free
• It’s easy to use and set up
• It’s convenient
• Many of us are already familiar with having video calls and like it (e.g. via Zoom, Whatsapp or FaceTime)
• You can see your therapist and they can see you, unlike over the phone
• It saves time. You no longer have to travel to and from where your therapy is based
• You can have therapy from the comfort of your own home
• It can be less daunting than arriving at a clinic and sitting in a waiting room. You may find it easier to talk about your difficulties when in a setting that you are more familiar with
• Ability to share screens. Video sessions have a ‘share screen’ function which means that either you or the therapist can show each other what is on your screen. This is particularly helpful when talking about any homework tasks which have been completed in-between sessions, or when the therapist is introducing a new idea

No. You can discuss alternative methods with your therapist. However we would encourage you to give video sessions a try. It is nice to be able to see your therapist and we find it helpful to see your face too! We can also share helpful videos, pictures and other therapy resources with you over video.

We are currently trialling a number of secure NHS-approved platforms to find the best one. Your therapist will discuss which video call software you will be using and send you instructions for how to access it.

• A good internet connection. Please note that if you are using video call software on a 3G/4G connection (e.g. via your mobile phone) this is likely to lead to a less smooth connection, and may use up some of your data allowance and potentially increase your bill. We would advise you to check your allowances and data limits prior to starting video session
• A device which is able to run the video software (e.g. laptop, phone, tablet)
• A device which has a web-camera, speakers, and microphone (these are usually built into phones and tablets)
• Some video call software that we use needs a specific web browser e.g. Google Chrome or Apple Safari.  Your therapist will inform you if this is the case
• A private, quiet and well-lit area where you will not be disturbed

There are some useful resources and websites below, which provide some simple and effective information and free courses for you to learn digital skills to help stay safe and connected.

• https://www.learnmyway.com/
• https://www.digitalunite.com/technology-guides

Your therapist can also support you with using the different features available on video platforms.

Please contact your clinician if you require the services of an interpreter.

You don’t use any data while waiting for a clinician to join you on the video platforms. The video platforms use a similar amount of data to Skype® or FaceTime®. To improve connectivity, WiFi is recommended where possible.

Remember that you do not have your regular journey to and from one of the iCope sites, so it is important to prepare yourself before and make time to
digest the session afterwards.

Please see this helpful guide which offers some tips on how to prepare for a video session. Below is a summary from the guide:

• Think about where is comfortable and appropriate to sit
• Try to negotiate a time with people you live with where you will not be interrupted
• Make sure you position your device somewhere secure and comfortable for you
• Turn off or silence your mobile phone. Using the ‘do not disturb’ function can be useful here
• Take steps to rearrange or remove anything that might distract you during the session, including other programmes, apps or pop-ups on your device
• Adjust the lighting to help your therapist be able to see you
• Wear some sort of headphones to reduce echo and help you concentrate on what is being said
• Be mindful of what you show your therapist in your background. It can be helpful to have a plain background with few distractions.
• Dress appropriately. We know you may be at home, but it is still an NHS appointment

Below are some quotes from patients who have had video sessions with iCope:

“I think the use of video appointments made life so much easier for me and helped me access help at a stressful time in my life without making things harder for me”

“It was easy to use. Under this pandemic situation, I could get help much easier with Video call service. Thank you for your help and support”

“In some ways it has been easier to have therapy online rather than travel to therapy as you aren’t contending with lots of other factors such as travel etc”

“I have enjoyed the digital video interactions”

A recent survey on video sessions was conducted. Below are some of the key findings:

• On average patients rated their overall experience of video sessions as 4.4 out of possible 5 stars (88%)
• 84% of patients felt that video platforms were simple to use, and 95% felt that it was easy to learn how to use the video platforms
• 86% of patients felt that video sessions provided for their healthcare needs
• 92% of patients said that they would use video sessions again in the future

Below are some common issues that can come up and some potential solutions. Your therapist will support you if there are issues during the video session, and always have the option of contacting you via telephone to consider alternative options if there are persistent problems.

• Unable to hear each other: Please check your audio equipment is working, and that you are not accidentally on mute. Some of the video platforms allow you to ‘test your equipment’ before starting a video session. Check your devices settings to ensure the web browser or video platform has ‘permission’ to access your camera. If you notice that there is audio feedback (like an echo), try to use headphones to reduce this.
• Unable to see each other: Please check your camera is working, and is not accidentally covered up.  Check your devices settings to ensure the web browser or video platform has ‘permission’ to access your camera. Make sure you close any other programmes that might be using your camera at the same time.
• Poor video or audio quality: Check that you are connected to the internet. Consider running a speed test to see how fast your connection is (e.g. www.speedtest.net). Consider if there are others in the household who may be using up bandwidth (e.g. watching Netflix or playing online video games). Check your modem/router is working properly by ensuring it is plugged in correctly and signals that it is connected to the internet.
• Connection is lost in the middle of a meeting: Try to reconnect to the video platform my restarting your browser or the programme, this can often resolve the issue. If this is not successful, your therapist will contact you via telephone to help problem solve.

In the first instance, please get in touch with your therapist, who will be able to reassure you on all aspects of your video consultation.