Virtual outreach: a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of joint teleconferenced medical consultations

Abstract

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Video-based telehealth in Australian primary health care: current use and future potential

“…The findings and interpretation of the Virtual Outreach Project (Wallace et al 2004) are more objective than those of Kalucy et al (2000) and Fielke (2005) regarding the RRMHS, but the fact that the study was conducted in the UK limits its generalisability to Australia somewhat. In both cases, there is evidence that video consultation has a valuable role to play, but does not obviate the need for FTF consultations.…”

“…A large UK randomised controlled trial, the Virtual Outreach Project, investigated the impact of video consultations ('virtual outreach') between patients and GPs in general practices and specialists in hospital outpatient departments (Wallace et al 2004). In this more rigorous study, 2094 patients were randomly assigned to virtual outreach (1051) or standard FTF outpatient appointments (1043) with a broad range of specialists, who generally provided consultation appointments at the beginning or end of routine outpatient clinics.…”

“…In a purposive sample of 28 recipients, semi-structured interviews revealed that overall, video consultations were highly acceptable to patients, particularly in relation to convenience and punctuality (Harrison et al 2006). Wallace et al (2004) speculated that additional benefits might become apparent with longer follow up, and that video consultation might be more effective if it was used predominantly for follow-up appointments rather than for unselected first-time referrals.…”

“…However, video consultation is also useful in urban areas, as demonstrated by the Virtual Outreach Project (Wallace et al 2004), the findings of which support its use across a broader range of specialties, but suggest that some targeting may be appropriate. Video consultation may be particularly useful for frail elderly people who experience poor mobility.…”

“…Generally, the patient and the PHC worker are together at one location, while the specialist is at a remote site. Such three-way encounters can have a valuable educational role for the professionals involved, helping PHC workers increase their clinical skills and understanding of speciality areas (Wallace et al 2004) -particularly rural/regional workers (Kerr and Day 2010;Moffatt and Eley 2010) who have limited access to continuing medical education -and helping specialists develop a better understanding of front-line PHC practice.…”