In the past few years there has been an increase in the use of home computers for Web meetings and as a cost-effective way to make phone calls. Started in the business world, the practice now has moved into the homes of millions, who are taking advantage of this form of communication. It has become “commonplace” to connect and meet with family, friends, even doctors via the Web.

In order to deal with the needs of the patients, doctors have begun to recognize the value of Web meetings. Retirement communities are assisting residents with connecting to loved ones and doctors.

Recently, the Society of Certified Senior Advisors has published an article on this ever-growing practice of Web meetings and how it is becoming more and more mainstream, especially for those in the 65+ age demographic.

The number of adults using online technology has been tracked by “The Pew (News - Alert) Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project.” The research found that 31 percent of people 50 years and older are using this form of communication. Half of the 31 percent were 65 and older.

In a 2009 ABC news report, Dr. Loren Olson shared how his experience with Skype and how it has changed the way he works. Dr. Olson started using Skype (News - Alert) for calls to his grandchildren and realized that he could use it for routine follow up 'med-check' visits with both urban and rural patients. Olson said in a statement, “Patients have responded quite well…some even preferring this method of care. The patients tend to become totally absorbed and relaxed in the discussion, such that the technology literally melts away. While it can’t replace the office visit, it does create access to care that has not been available before.”

Recently TMC (News - Alert) explored the definition of “Web meeting.” As TMC’s Rajani Baburajan reported in a recent article, “Web meeting” is the buzzword for businesses in 2011, and essential to business productivity down the line, with video and Web conferencing emerging as the “main technologies” of the decade. Wikipedia puts it more simply as a method of conducting live meetings, training, or presentations via the Internet. Here at TMC we call our frequent Web meetings, “webinars.” Webinars remain more of a commonplace Web meeting in the business world, but doctors may decide to invest their time in these types of meetings in the future.