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Family Video Chat

Problem: Baystate currently has a "no visitor" policy for most patients due to COVID-19. Many inpatients do not have smartphones, making communication with family difficult, if not impossible.

Solution: Baystate has established a pool of loaner tablets (e.g. iPads) to be distributed by staff to patients who do not have their own device for video chatting with family/friends.

  • Denise Schoen is the main contact for obtaining a tablet
  • Use video chat: Jitsi Meet meet.jit.si (link to webpage is available on tablet)
    • No user account is necessary
    • Click on saved Jitsi link on device to open web browser
    • Create a unique room name 
    • Share the room name with patient's family via text, email, or phone call
      • We recommend using phone or send as Cortext to any cell number. If Cortext is used, recipient can reply once and otherwise cannot reply to Cortext originator (Cortext address is not revealed).
    • Family member logs into the Jitsi room in any browser
    • Video chat is connected
    • Screenshot instructions below

NOTE: Going to meet.jit.si in any browser, on any device (app required on iOS), is the simplest fastest way to connect two parties for a video chat, whether on a loaner tablet or somebody else's device. No account and no app to install. It's fast and easy.

At this time, this Family Video Chat chat use case is the ONLY approved use of Jitsi at Baystate. 

 

FAQ

Question: How many people can be in one Jitsi virtual room?

Answer: There is a hard limit of 75 participants but performance begins to suffer at 35. Performance improves if participants chose voice only connection to a room.

Jitsi Meet

Making a Call

On a PC

From the homepage, select start a call

Enter the name of the room you wish to create

Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted

You can now send the generated link to the other party

On mobile or tablet app

Once you download the Jitsi Meet app, setting up a video call couldnt be easier. First, Enter the name of the video call room you would like to create.

When you have entered the name of the video call room, you can create the call and it will start. Anyone can join the video call by entering in its name.

You can share the video call room via text or email. Press the settings button in the bottom right, then press more options. From the new menu press meeting info. The app will ask you how you want to share the video call info. You can choose text message, email or whatever avenue is most appropriate.

Receiving a Call

On a PC

If your friend or family member invited you via email or text, simply click the link or copy it into your browser.

Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted.

You should now in the video chat with your family member.

On mobile or tablet

Download and open the Jitsi app

Enter the Room name provided to you and join the call

You should now in the video chat with your family member

Linkello

Making a Call

On a PC

From the homepage, give the call a name and click "Create"

Click on the generated link to enter the call, and then copy it to send to a friend or family member

Choose a name you would like to use for yourself in the chat

Depending on your device, you may be required to select the camera youd like to use. Make sure to select the one that faces you!

Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted.

After entering the call simply wait for your friend or family member to join

On Mobile

From the homepage, give the call a name and click "Create"

Click on the generated link to enter the call, and then copy it to send to a friend or family member

Choose a name you would like to use for yourself in the chat

Depending on your device, you may be required to select the camera youd like to use. Make sure to select the one that faces you!

Linkello will run a configuration test to ensure compatibility. Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted.

After entering the call simply wait for your friend or family member to join

Receiving a Call

On a PC

If your friend or family member invited you via email or text, simply click the link or copy it into your browser.

Choose a name you would like to use for yourself in the chat

Depending on your device, you may be required to select the camera youd like to use. Make sure to select the one that faces you!

Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted.

After entering the call simply wait for your friend or family member to join

On mobile or tablet browser

If your friend or family member invited you via email or text, simply click the link or copy it into your browser.

Choose a name you would like to use for yourself in the chat

Depending on your device, you may be required to select the camera youd like to use. Make sure to select the one that faces you!

Linkello will run a configuration test to ensure compatibility. Your browser will prompt you to allow the use of your microphone and speakers, click Allow when prompted.

After entering the call simply wait for your friend or family member to join, or enjoy their company if their already there