Table.

Overview of Appearance, Communication, and Environmental Considerations for Providers and Patients During a Telemedicine Visit

Core virtual-clinical values	Providers	Patients and special considerations
Appearance	Dress Business professional attire under a white coat Name, title, and affiliation should be visible on breast pocket of coat Distractions to avoid Patterned clothing or large logos Jewelry and accessories Masks (if safe to remove) Hats, scarves, and gloves Provider rights Providers may terminate a visit if a patient dresses inappropriately	White coat optional Pediatric populations Contraindications to professional dress Scrubs in surgical and emergency department settings Traditional, conservative attire in geriatric populations Patient rights Patients may terminate a visit if a provider dresses inappropriately
Interaction and communication	Verbal communication Patient-centered questioning Empathy and support Shared decision making Nonverbal communication Appropriate eye contact Centered body positioning Proximity to the camera Upright posture and slight forward lean Uncrossed, symmetrical arms Head nods and facial expressions Appropriate vocal delivery (tone and volume of voice) Provider rights Providers may terminate a visit if a patient’s interactions are inappropriate	Verbal communication considerations Emphasize patient-centered conversations Encourage active patient participation and questions Special considerations Eye contact is achieved by looking into the camera and not at the patient on the screen Avoid increasing voice volume by using a functioning microphone Patient rights Patients may terminate a visit if a provider’s interactions are inappropriate
Environment	Environmental considerations Private Quiet, well-lit, and uncluttered Avoid insensitive decor Avoid virtual backgrounds Provider rights Providers may terminate a visit if a patient’s environment is inappropriate or offensive	Patient privacy considerations Use headphones Use “chat” functions on virtual platforms Consider rescheduling Patient rights Patients may terminate a visit if a provider’s environment is inappropriate or offensive