Preparing for your child's virtual appointment
What to prepare
Your child's healthcare team may have asked you to prepare specific information regarding your child's health such as their weight or height.
If you're unsure if you need to prepare any specific information about your child, you can read the hospital service's webpage to find out more.
You may find it helpful to keep any other medical documents nearby during the appointment, such as referrals, prescriptions or test results.
What you will need
You will need a device that has a camera, speaker, and microphone. If you're not sure if your device is suitable, check the platform's system requirements.
Check your device has a good internet connection. Test your internet connection to see if your speed is greater than 1mbps.
Check to see if you're using a supported web browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
Still unsure if your device and internet connection are compatiable?
You can do a pre-call test to see if you'll be able to join the vitual appointment on the day. If the pre-call test fails, or you don't have access to one or more of the above, contact the hospital service or clinic to request a face-to-face appointment for your child instead.
What to expect
On the day of the appointment
- Choose a quiet and private space where you and your child are unlikely to be disturbed during the appointment. Suitable places may include your living room, kitchen or bedroom.
If attending the virtual care appointment from a local health facility, ask the staff to seat you and your child in a private space, if needed. - 10 minutes before the scheduled time, join the virtual appointment using the link provided. The link is contained in the SMS you were sent after the appointment was booked. You can also select the hospital service from our virtual appointment waiting room list.
- 'Allow' access to your microphone & camera, if prompted.
- You will be placed in a virtual waiting room. The healthcare provider will be with you when they are ready.
Our healthcare workers try their hardest to ensure appointments run on time. Unfortunately, some appointments may start and/or finish late.
Tips
- Public locations, including your car, office or café are not quiet or private enough for virtual care appointments.
- Ensure the lighting in the room is good and you can be clearly seen.
- Make sure that your device's battery is charged or connected to a power outlet.
During the appointment
- Allow a moment for the video call connection to establish.
- Introduce yourself and anyone else in the room with you.
- Inform your child's healthcare provider if you are expecting another participant to join.
Tips
- Microphones are sensitive. Limit background noise and be aware of your surroundings to ensure your clinician can hear you and your child well.
- When someone speaks wait until they are finished before talking. You may cut each other off if you speak at the same time.
After the appointment
The healthcare worker will end the virtual care appointment.
If a follow up appointment is required, staff will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time for you and your child.