How can you use screen sharing to communicate with physicians effectively?

I teach and train Anesthesiologists and CRNAs to use Anesthesia software remotely. It is a very effective way to teach remotely, though I would rather be sitting next to them as I train.

Screensharing is an effective way for collaboration and can be implemented during a meeting or impromptu based on various tools available. Most are familiar with tools built into common teleconferencing software including Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. Other secure messaging apps such as Slack make quick communications, screensharing and information sharing that much easier. It is helpful to respect physicians' time and be swift about this level of communication. Utilizing such tools effectively will in turn eliminate the reliance on email exchange, phone calls and formal meetings.

Screen share might be also equally important if we are virtually meeting patients and need to explain something or a process via some video and then explaining.

Screen sharing has multiple benefits. It is an effective communication tool and is essential when working remotely to communicate with clinical teams and to provide onboarding training & staff education.

- To communicate with physicians effectively, you need to choose the right tool for screen sharing. Don't use Zoom if you're going to show them your x-rays, they might think you're a ghost. Use something more professional, like Skype or Teams.

Absolutely. Telemedicine has been building for a very long time in the US. Covid19 help to introduce it as a more mainstream idea. Depending on what you're being seen for, it can be very effective, as long as encryption and security meet HIPPA and other standards / guidelines. With the size of our aging population and the continued shortage of physicians across many specialties, meeting patient demand will require some creative solutions ahead, and this is certainly one of the viable solutions.

One positive thing to take away from the pandemic is the efficiency of screen sharing via apps to clearly get the message across as if we were all in the same room. Microsoft Teams is an app that I have consistently used effectively including for online training of providers in this new virtual world

When preparing for a virtual connection of any type. Closing all email and messaging apps ensures your privacy and the sender’s privacy. This can be extremely important when dealing with HIPPA protected information.

Preparation and time management are essentially for a quick but impactful screen sharing session. Treat every screensharing session like a mini presentation. Have your desktop content organized to efficiently to flow from one point to the next with minimal interruptions. Be prepared to pause and answer relevant questions, repeat what you've covered, or address related issues.

- Before you start screen sharing, make sure you prepare your screen. Close any tabs or windows that are not relevant to the conversation, especially if they contain sensitive or embarrassing information. You don't want the physicians to see your browsing history, your bank account, or your latest TikTok video.

Set the objectives and format well in advance. Context matters as a physician may be inclined to join the session on either a desktop, laptop or mobile device. Presenting items like spreadsheets and EMR training is extremely challenging to follow on a phone compared to a computer. Sharing context and goals will help the physician determine the best medium with which to participate. Many times for longer sessions, I will tell physicians they may switch to a phone/ tablet when the content being shared doesn't need to be viewed on a larger monitor.

Here are some tips on using screen sharing to communicate effectively with physicians : *Set expectations upfront on whether physicians should actively engage or passively view your screen share, depending on your goals. *Use annotation tools like highlighting, arrows, or drawings to highlight key points in the data or process flows you walk physicians through. *Allow physicians to remotely control your screen to demonstrate workflows or systems hands-on, making it more interactive. *Monitor chat/audio feedback as you share to address physician questions in real time and adjust accordingly. With thoughtful preparation, visuals, and interaction, screen sharing can facilitate productive physician communication and alignment.

- When you begin screen sharing, set the context and goals of the conversation. Explain why you're sharing your screen, what you want to show them, and what you expect from them. Don't just start showing random images or documents without any explanation. They might get confused, bored, or annoyed.

This could help tell the participants what kind of feedback or input we are looking for, and how long the session will last. This way, we can ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

Consistent communication with physicians and colleagues, fosters, teamwork, clarifies responsibility. Pro-active problem-solving and being adaptable and ready for change.

No different than a PowerPoint presentation, the same skills and techniques are necessary to screen share content in real time. As the format is live and/or may be getting recorded for future use, being clear, concise and easy to follow will set you apart in communicating with physicians.

- While you're screen sharing, speak clearly and concisely. Don't mumble, stutter, or ramble. Use simple and direct language that the physicians can understand. Avoid jargon, slang, or acronyms that they might not be familiar with. And don't forget to breathe.

Screen sharing requires some preparation, skills, and etiquette to ensure a smooth and productive session. So, speaking too long or using much technical terms and jargons will make participant pay less attention to the important details.

Again, this is just a modern adaptation of an interactive presentation which can be performed one on one or in much larger groups. Depending on the setting, you will have to modify content, pacing and presentation style to avoid losing your target audience. It is easy for a viewer to leave screenshare on and tune out if not engaged with the presenter.

- Finally, engage your audience. Ask questions, solicit feedback, and acknowledge their responses. Don't just talk at them, talk with them. Make them feel involved and interested in what you're showing them. And don't forget to smile.

Visual aids can help the participants follow the screen sharing session more easily and remember the information better. I like to use Canva for many things and it have several features even Gen A.I to drive my points.

In my experience, shared screens in a virtual meeting facilitates simultaneous real-time team, consultant or collaborator review of complex data or images (radiography, ECG, labs, exam findings, video, continuous glucose monitoring, or other data) which can be difficult to verbally describe.

In my experience, screen sharing can be beneficial in virtual appointments. When doctors share their screens, patients can visually see lab results, images from scans, or diagrams that help them understand their diagnoses and treatment plans. Seeing these details helps reinforce what the doctor is explaining verbally. Screen sharing allows patients to show their physician any changes they have noticed. Anything related to their health concerns ensures both are literally “on the same page.” Screen sharing makes patients feel more involved in their care and better understand their health status when they can view and discuss information visually with their doctor through the screen.