What is the impact of a shift to remote consultations? A qualitative interview study in primary and secondary healthcare
1Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, UCL, London, UK.
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Summary
Patients and clinicians pragmatically accepted remote consultations, preferring a hybrid model combining remote and in-person care. This study emphasizes consolidating adaptations for future healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare delivery
- Digital health
- Patient experience
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote consultations (telephone/video) in primary and secondary care.
- Remote consulting offers benefits like efficiency and flexibility but poses challenges due to reduced face-to-face interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and interpret patient and clinician perceptions of remote consultations.
- To inform future decision-making regarding the integration of remote consulting in healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semistructured online interviews.
- Conducted in primary mental healthcare and secondary care cardiology services in London, UK.
- Involved patients and clinicians from both primary (n=20) and secondary (n=14) care settings.
Main Results:
- Experiences with remote consultations were influenced by various factors, leading to shifts in professional practice norms.
- Clinician-patient relationships evolved, reflecting adaptations to the remote environment.
- Both patients and clinicians showed a pragmatic acceptance of remote consulting methods.
Conclusions:
- A preference for a hybrid model, balancing remote and face-to-face appointments, emerged from patient and clinician feedback.
- There is a need to consolidate and build upon the informal learning and adaptations that occurred during the widespread adoption of remote consulting.
- Future strategies should leverage these adaptations to optimize hybrid healthcare models.