(Marziali & Garcia, 2011)

Canada

To compare dementia caregivers’ stress and health status when enrolled in one of two groups: internet chat support that included caregiver handbook and 6 videos on managing caregiving versus Internet based VC delivered by a clinician with access to caregiver handbook, support.

Non-randomized Comparative effectiveness pre/post design

quasi experimental.

Web Based VC

N = 91 (Chat Group N = 40; Video Group N = 51).

Demographic information, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire- Revised, neuroticism, Revised Scale for Caregiver Self-efficacy, beliefs about caregiving, Perceived Social Support, Health Status Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Functional Autonomy Measurement System, current outside service use, and intent to continue caregiving at home.

Mental Health/ Caregivers

Both groups significantly improved in self-efficacy.

Neither group changed in use of health and social services.

When compared, the VC group had greater improvement in mental health and reported distress scores but the Chat group had lower distress reported for managing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

(Norman, 2006)

United Kingdom

To review the evidence related to the use of VC for mental health issues in the United Kingdom.

Review article

Specific VC type for each article Not discussed

72 Abstracts

Efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and satisfaction.

Mental Health

VC has been cost effective and reliable method for patients with mental health issues. Limitations still exist that need to be addressed including type of patients and confidentiality.

(Peel, Russell, & Gray, 2011)

Australia

To evaluate an in-home VC system called eHAB for feasibility of home rehabilitation to older adults.

Feasibility

Web based VC system

N = 44

No actual participants were recruited and monitored using the VC system.

Rehabilitation

This VC system was not feasible in an older population with rehabilitation needs. Special needs of this population require an easy to use light and mobile system or in home support to operate the equipment. The unique needs including decreased vision, hearing, and decreased physical mobility need to be addressed.