Benefits, challenges and sustainability of digital healthcare for NHS Wales: a qualitative study

Abstract

IntroductionDigital healthcare in the UK was adopted out of necessity rather than choice during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as we move forward, UK governments and healthcare services have acknowledged its evident benefits for patients, staff and the National Health Service (NHS), and are keen to sustain its improvements in the long term.ObjectiveTo understand the benefits, challenges and sustainability of a future-proof digital healthcare.DesignA semi-structured interview study was conducted.SettingIn NHS services in Wales, UK.ParticipantsWith clinical and non-clinical staff across a mix of clinical specialties.Outcome measuresSemi-structured interviews were conducted to address benefits, challenges and sustainability of a national video consulting (VC) service, and thematically coded using a quantification method of qualitative work.ResultsA total of 203 interviews were conducted and 3 dominant domains emerged, with 7 themes and 26 categories.LimitationsIt is important to acknowledge that these findings were captured during a pandemic.ConclusionsNHS Wales has demonstrated that currently there are an equal measure of benefits and challenges to a national digital healthcare. However, with ongoing government and service support, improvement and evaluation, it has potential for a sustainable digital future, in which the benefits can outweigh the challenges.