Frequently Asked Questions
about the Valley Medical Center Virtual Visit Program
- What is the Virtual Visit program?
- Who can participate in the program?
- Can I use my own laptop at the hospital?
- What kind of computer and network is needed at the home?
- Where can I find instructions for setting up the home components?
- Where can I get more help?
What is the Virtual Visit program?
Using a Logitech® webcam and headset, plus MSN Messenger instant messaging software, patients at Valley Medical Center can participate in an Internet video conversation with their families, no matter how far away they live. The hospital has laptop PCs equipped with the necessary software and hardware, plus a state-of-the-art wireless network.
Click here for more information on the Wireless Internet Access for Patients (WIAP) program.
Click here to download MSN Messenger.
Who can participate in the program?
The Virtual Visit program is provided for the benefit of patients at Valley Medical Center. Any patient who is able to use a computer, and who is within the reach of the WIAP system can participate. Family and friends who wish to communicate with patients will need to meet the requirements specified below under the topic What kind of computer and network is needed at the home?
Can I use my own laptop at the hospital?
We strongly recommend that you use one of the Virtual Visit computers rather than attempting to use your own laptop. The Virtual Visit computers have all of the software and hardware installed and ready to go. If you are determined to use your own laptop for the Virtual Visit program at the hospital, your laptop will need to meet at least the following requirements.
- IBM or compatible computer
- Pentium® P4 1.4 GHz or AMD Athlon® processor 1 GHz (Pentium® P4 2.4 GHz or better recommended for advanced features)
- Wireless network interface card (801.11b or 802.11g)
- Windows® XP SP2 or above
- Available USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended for advanced features)
- 256 MB RAM (or minimum OS requirements, whichever is higher)
- 200 MB free hard drive space
- Windows®-compatible sound card (full duplex sound card recommended)
- Logitech QuickCam® software (available online as a download at www.logitech.com)
What kind of computer and network is needed at the home?
Home users will need a computer and internet connection that meets or exceeds the following requirements.
- IBM or compatible computer with CD drive
- Windows® XP SP1 or above
- Available USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended for advanced features)
- 256 MB RAM (or minimum OS requirements, whichever is higher)
- 200 MB free hard drive space
- Windows®-compatible sound card (full duplex sound card recommended)
- Broadband internet connection (cable, DSL)
Where can I find instructions for setting up the home components?
The instructions for setting up the home computer for Virtual Visit are included with each family loaner kit. You can also download the instructions by clicking here. Adobe® Reader® is required to view the instructions.
Where can I get more help?
Onsite support: Contact Debbie Burdsall, Rehab Technology Champion, email debbie.burdsall@gmail.com
Remote support: Ron Sidell (650) 339-3395 or email at ron@ophoenix.org
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