Case Study: NIH achieves reliable low-bandwidth medical interpretation over 3G with VSee

NIH Successfully Uses VSee For Medical Interpretation Over 3G Networks

NIH faced a need for more mobile, affordable medical interpretation than bulky H.323 videoconferencing carts could provide. For a feasibility study in a South Carolina pharmacy, NIH researchers used laptops on a 3G cellular network with PTZ cameras and VSee videoconferencing software to deliver remote interpretation services for a diverse patient population.

VSee’s low-bandwidth video (as little as 50 Kbps video / 16 Kbps audio), remote PTZ control, FIPS 140-2 AES-256 encryption, and scalable window up to 720p enabled reliable videoconferencing over 3G. In the 26-patient study (half video, half phone) providers reported few technical issues and results comparable to H.323 units; patients accepted both modes, pharmacists found video helpful for spotting interpreter difficulties, and VSee proved adequate for sign language. The approach demonstrated a far lower-cost telemedicine option versus traditional hardware-intensive systems.

NIH