Home Use Approach & Useful Programs
Ways to Approach Home Use with EEGer
Because of the freedom EEGer offers, there is no right or wrong way to do home use. Generally, we have seen clinicians approach home use in two main ways:
Hands-Off Approach
In this method the clinician rarely interacts with the system directly. This eliminates possible schedule conflicts and allows more freedom in the type and number of sessions which can be run by the home-user.
The clinician provides their client with instructions and the necessary session files to allow for training. After training is completed, the home-user sends their exported session data to the supervising clinician for review. The clinician then reviews the data and makes adjustments as needed to the protocol, then the process is repeated.
Hands-On Approach
In this method the supervising clinician interacts with the system more directly, sometimes remotely controlling each session for the home-user in real-time. This is similar to traditional in-person neurofeedback, but without needing to travel to the clinician’s office.
Remotely connecting to the home-users system allows for data to be reviewed more quickly after a session, and may help to identify and correct user error sooner than it would be noticed in a Hands-Off Approach.
This method also does not require the home-user to learn how to use EEGer, as the clinician can remotely control the software. This lowers the learning curve and allows the client to focus on getting good electrode connections.
Useful Third-Party Programs
Whether providing hands-on or hands-off training, third-party programs can be used alongside EEGer to make communicating and connecting easier and more convenient.
We have provided a list of programs below based on feedback we have received from supervising clinicians and their clients. EEG Store is not partnered or sponsored by these services, and also can not provide support for these programs even if used to facilitate the home use process
Any program listed in this section may change or become unavailable over time. Conflicts may also arise with EEGer depending on hardware configurations and how these third-party programs are used.
Screen Sharing & Remote Connection Services
Microsoft Quick Assist | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪
Quick Assist is a default program on most Windows computers, so it does not require additional downloading or configuration. The supervising clinician will need to sign in with or create a Microsoft account to use Quick Assist, but this is not required for the home-user.
Parsec Gaming | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚫
Low-latency remote connection services designed for use with modern gaming, meaning low impact on computer resources and real-time keyboard and mouse control between computers.
See this KBA for installation & configuration instructions.
Teamviewer | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚫
Mainstream remote connection software which allows for remote control and integrated text and voice chat. Capable of quick file transfers between computers and initiating remote commands between machines (shut down, restart, etc.).
Zoom Virtual Meeting | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚫⚫
Popular online meeting platform that allows remote connection by adjusting the default meeting settings. Zoom can cause performance issues when used alongside EEGer on some systems, as it is not built for remote connections like Quick Assist or Parsec.
GoToMeeting | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚫⚫
Traditional meeting software which allows for camera and microphone use, as well as screen sharing.
Skype | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚫⚫
Video conferencing software with instant messaging capabilities. Allows for screen sharing but does not have remote connection capabilities. Many people are familiar with this service and may already have it installed on their computers.
Google Meet (Hangouts) | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚪⚫⚫
Similar to Skype, but primarily a web-based conferencing service offered by Google. Does not support remote connections but does allow for screen sharing. This is another program people may already be familiar with and have available.
FaceTime | Ease of Use: ⚪⚪⚫⚫⚫
A video conferencing software available for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. While not used for screen sharing or remote connections, it can be helpful for home-users who do not have access to other services or easy access to the internet on their EEGer computer.
Because FaceTime is available on mobile devices, it is a useful tool for verifying if electrode placement is correct, as the device can be easily moved and rotated around the head.
File Sharing Services
In new versions of the software, home-use files can be sent and received using the Home Use Cloud. In older versions of the software, these files need to be sent by email or using a file sharing service.
For the purposes of EEGer, the vast majority of these services should work interchangeably. It is recommended to use a familiar service to make transferring files as easy as possible.
Some file sharing services clinicians have used alongside EEGer include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Mediafire, Mega, and Amazon Cloud.
Please consider that home use files can contain confidential client information. If this is a concern for the supervising clinician or home-user, we recommend finding a service which places an emphasis on privacy and ensures transfers between users are private and secure.