myGP® is allowing GP surgeries around the UK to treat patients using video consultations. Here’s how to get ready for your video call, so you can make the most of your appointment.
Use the latest version of myGP
To ensure you have access to the latest features and bug fixes, make sure you always have the latest version of the myGP app.
We recommend switching on automatic updates in your App Store or Google Play settings. This will mean the myGP app is always ready to go.
If you have manual updates selected, click here to view the myGP app listing. If you see an update button, press it to get the latest version.
Set Camera and Microphone permissions
When you registered for myGP or updated, myGP will have asked for permission to access your camera and microphone.
If you declined to permit access or would like to check on these settings, you can set these by following these steps:
- Go into the myGP app
- Tap Settings
- Slide the Camera and Microphone settings to on
- Press “accept” on any pop-ups that are displayed
Charge your phone
Video calls will require your screen to be on, will use your camera, and send and receive data constantly. This may lead to additional drain on your battery. Make sure you have plenty of charge for the length of the call.
As battery capacity is determined by a number of factors, we’d recommend making sure you have around 50% charge on your device – especially if you will be using 4G as this drains battery faster than 3G or WiFi.
Have the best internet connection you can access
Make sure that you have the most stable and fastest connection you can access where you will be holding your video consultation.
If WiFi is available, you may get a stronger signal and faster internet speed by using this, rather than 3G or 4G.
If you only have access to mobile date, ensure you are somewhere where you can get 3-5 bars of signal. It should not be an issue whether you are on 3G or 4G.
Please note: data used on mobile and broadband connections will be charged in line with the carrier subscription package. Please check this with the bill-payer.
If internet speeds slow down during the call, the video quality will automatically decrease to protect the call from dropping. Audio will remain as clear as possible, and is its quality is prioritised so you can continue to talk.
The call will only be dropped should the internet connection cut out or become too slow to enable to call to continue.
Be in a quiet place
To ensure your confidentiality, and to ensure your appointment is not disturbed consider moving to a quiet place.
This may be:
- A spare or empty room in your house/apartment
- An empty meeting room
- A break room
Use earphones with a microphone
Most smartphones are provided with earphones and microphones in one. This is not necessary, but may help to make the most out of your appointment.
This can be useful if you do not want your healthcare professional to be overheard, or provides you with the best audio to hear clearly.
It is perfectly fine to use the speaker and microphone on your device if you prefer, and your environment is suitable to be hear and be heard during the video consultation.
Problems with holding video consultations?
So as not to delay your care, yourself and your clinician should move to discussing your health over the telephone.
If you have followed all of the above steps and are still experiencing issues using video consultations, please contact myGP Support and we will be happy to investigate any issues.
