Donaghy, E., Atherton, Helen, Hammersley, V., McNeilly, H., Bikker, A., Robbins, L., Campbell, J. and McKinstry, B. (2019) Acceptability, benefits, and challenges of video consulting : a qualitative study in primary care. British Journal of General Practice, 69 (686). e586-e594. bjgp19X704141. doi:10.3399/bjgp19X704141 ISSN 0960-1643.

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Abstract

Background People increasingly communicate online, using visual communication mediums such as Skype and FaceTime. Growing demands on primary care services mean that new ways of providing patient care are being considered. Video consultation (VC) over the internet is one such mode.

Aim To explore patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of VC.

Design and setting Semi-structured interviews in UK primary care.

Method Primary care clinicians were provided with VC equipment. They invited patients requiring a follow-up consultation to an online VC using the Attend Anywhere web-based platform. Participating patients required a smartphone, tablet, or video-enabled computer. Following VCs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients (n = 21) and primary care clinicians (n = 13), followed by a thematic analysis.

Results Participants reported positive experiences of VC, and stated that VC was particularly helpful for them as working people and people with mobility or mental health problems. VCs were considered superior to telephone consultations in providing visual cues and reassurance, building rapport, and improving communication. Technical problems, however, were common. Clinicians felt, for routine use, VCs must be more reliable and seamlessly integrated with appointment systems, which would require upgrading of current NHS IT systems.

Conclusion The visual component of VCs offers distinct advantages over telephone consultations. When integrated with current systems VCs can provide a time-saving alternative to face-to-face consultations when formal physical examination is not required, especially for people who work. Demand for VC services in primary care is likely to rise, but improved technical infrastructure is required to allow VC to become routine. However, for complex or sensitive problems face-to-face consultations remain preferable.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Medical care -- Technological innovations, Telecommunication in medicine
Journal or Publication Title:	British Journal of General Practice
Publisher:	Royal College of General Practitioners
ISSN:	0960-1643
Official Date:	September 2019
Dates:	Date Event September 2019 Published 3 June 2019 Available 18 February 2019 Accepted
Volume:	69
Number:	686
Page Range:	e586-e594
Article Number:	bjgp19X704141
DOI:	10.3399/bjgp19X704141
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit:	5 March 2019
Date of first compliant Open Access:	4 June 2019
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:	Project/Grant ID RIOXX Funder Name Funder ID HIPS/16/20 Chief Scientist Office http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000589
Related URLs:	Publisher

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