Quality attributes in telemedicine video conferencing

Video conferencing is used increasingly in many telemedicine applications, including medical personnel education, peer consultation, patient education, and direct patient care. Advances in technology and changes in medical care delivery have enhanced the ability to develop effective telemedicine video conferencing systems. Measures of effectiveness for technology systems rely on identified requirements,for system quality. In this research, we propose a comprehensive model of quality attributes for telemedicine video conferencing systems. The quality attribute model is developed from an extensive literature review, direct observations of telemedicine encounters, and structured interviews with telemedicine experts. The model contains four quality attribute groups: Technical, Usability, Physical Environment, and Human Element. Interview citations are used to justify the importance of these individual quality attributes. Both researchers and practitioners can make use of the model to understand, design, and evaluate telemedicine video conferencing systems.