STARS VC User Guide

User guide for GoodSAM application

GoodSAM is a secure video-link solution that is used by jurisdictions both in Canada (BCEHS) and internationally. It is a simple, user-friendly web application that does not require users to download anything in advance. Users simply receive a text message or email with a link, click, and a secure video connection is established.

STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) uses GoodSAM as part of our suite of services to provide critical care anywhere. GoodSAM is used to link the STARS transport physicians (TPs) and other specialists with other healthcare providers – enabling them to securely transmit a live video feed of a patient as part of a critical patient consultation.

Download a PDF version of this User Guide.

Download the Quick Start Guide.

Note GoodSAM may be used by mobile device, tablet or laptop (via email link).

The User Guide below is divided into three sections:

1. Transmitting Video (users at patient-side)
2. Receiving Video (Transport Physicians and Consultants)
3. Troubleshooting

Transmitting Video

Physicians, paramedics, or other healthcare providers who are caring for a patient and need to visually communicate a patient’s condition will use their mobile device to transmit video to whomever they are consulting with. Typically, the provider initiating the video consult is already on the phone with the consultant, and both parties feel that a video link would be clinically beneficial to illustrate a patient’s condition or provide real-time procedural support. Verbal communication is maintained through a telephone connection, while video is transmitted through the GoodSAM web link sent by STARS ELC.

Instructions

Step 1

• The STARS ELC will request the mobile number/email of the device that will be used to transmit video for the video consult.
• If the users are on a landline that is not in the patient’s room, the STARS ELC will call the mobile number to transfer the consult call to the mobile device. Answer the call and select speaker phone on the mobile device. It is important to be cognisant of the communication and verbal transfer of private patient information while on speaker phone.
• Once in the patient’s room, the STARS ELC will read a brief consent statement on the speaker phone prior to the initiation of the video feed.

Step 5

• Stand at the foot of the patient’s bed, point the camera at the given target (patient) and hold the device steady. This allows for the most efficient video buffering and decreases the likelihood of video pixilation and lag.
• Wait for the transport physician / consultant to direct you where to pan the camera. If the user is asked to move the camera to another target, ensure the mobile device is panned to the new target in a slow and smooth fashion.

Step 6

• Once the video consult is completed the STARS Emergency Link Centre will end the video consult call for all parties.

Receiving Video

Transport physicians, specialist consultants, specialty transport teams, air medical crew, or other healthcare providers supporting a consultation process will use their mobile device to watch video being transmitted. By being able to see the patient, the video consult process offers a more fulsome understanding of a patient’s condition and allows for more timely and contextually nuanced assistance. Users receiving video are in a “view-only” mode and their cameras are not active. Audio is maintained through the ongoing telephone consult (no need to leave a re-establish a new call), and video is transmitted through the GoodSAM web link sent by the STARS ELC.

Instructions

Step 1

• The STARS ELC will request the mobile number of the device that will be used to View the video consult.
• Ensure the mobile device being used to view the video consult is also on speaker phone. It is important to be cognisant of the communication and verbal transfer of private patient information while on speaker phone.

Step 3

• Once the video consult is completed, the STARS ELC will end the call for all parties.

Troubleshooting