Early evidence and lessons learnt from an NHS Wales Video Consulting Service

Abstract

Background: The use of video consulting (VC) in Wales, United Kingdom (UK) has expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, VC has been the subject of small-scale projects and evaluations. In response to the pandemic emergency, there was an opportunity to roll out and evaluate VC on a larger and more representative scale, across a wider range of National Health Service (NHS) specialities. Aims: This paper presents an overview of a dataset captured by the ‘The NHS Wales VC Service’. The purpose of this study was to capture perspectives of healthcare professionals only (including clinicians, administration and management) on the use of VC and explore lessons learnt from the national implementation process. Methodology: Using an online, mixed methods retrospective survey capturing descriptive and narrative data. Results: A total of 1256 NHS healthcare professionals shared their VC experience. Overall, responses were positive, and healthcare professionals expressed optimistic views regarding the use, value and benefit of VC, even when faced with challenges on occasions. Conclusions: A lesson learnt, is that difference occurs in innovation, even in a small country like Wales, yet it is not necessarily a negative outcome, but rather, respecting and incorporating difference, can improve long-term sustainability.

Online survey and interview evaluation to explore the use of video consulting among Allied Health Professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Secondary analysis was conducted on pre-existing interview data with AHP, full analysis and an extensive overview of the data can be found in Johns et al 20. These interviews were conducted with clinicians only.…”

“…Other questions included participants’ future use of VC in the long term, how much they were using VC and the benefits and/or challenges associated with its use. The interview schedule was developed based on previous research evaluations on VC 7. For full analysis, see Johns et al 20…”

“…High satisfaction for virtual methods is observed among patients, according to a meta-analysis,6 and patients express wanting to use virtual consultations in the future for appointments involving their health 7. This suggests that patients are supportive of digital alternatives for their healthcare appointments, although the literature does suggest limits to this acceptance, such as when appointments require more physical-based assessments or if an individual lacks confidence in using technology 6 8 9.…”

Virtual consultation (VC) in fertility and obstetrics and gynaecology services: An analysis of patient and clinician satisfaction

“…The data from August 2020 to August 2021 that support the findings of this study are openly available through Digital Health Wales at https://digitalhealth.wales/sites/default/files/ 2022-01/TEC%20Cymru%20Phase%202a%20and%202b%20R eport%2007%2001%2022.pdf. 20 The data from September 2021 to March 2022 is currently in press and will be published at https://digitalhealth.wales/tec-cymru/research/tec-cymru-ev aluation-reports/phase-2-evaluation when available.…”

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

“…The digital strategy, and other Welsh government policies such as Prudent Healthcare and the Future Generations Act7 8 look to support and enable a strong digital future for NHS Wales. Early research and evaluation have been conducted in Wales, which demonstrate the early successes of the government’s strategy 9–11…”