Table 1.

Considerations for preparing the physical environment for a telehealth consultation.

Physical environment	• Select a physical space that is: o Large enough to perform necessary tasks, e.g. perform an exercise; o Free from clutter and potential trip hazards; o Private to reduce unwanted distractions and maintains a level of privacy and confidentiality •Ensure necessary furniture (e.g. bed, chair) and/or equipment (e.g. light weights) is available.
Acoustic environment	•Eliminate as much background noise as possible – close doors/windows; turn off television/radio; move to a room near the back of the house. •A headset (with microphone) can be worn to further reduce background noise while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. •Physical spaces with soft furnishings (e.g. carpet) can minimise echoing and other audio distortions.
Visual environment	•Encourage backgrounds that are stationary and neutral in colour •Chose artificial lighting over natural light that is positioned in front and above the computer device to avoid glare and shadows.
Appropriate clothing	•Encourage clothing that is plain and light in colour; clothes with heavy patterns or stripes can create visual distortions. •As per an in-person consult, ensure patient is wearing clothing that allows for necessary movement or de-robing as part of the examination.