ABSTRACT
In light of the COVID 19 pandemic, outpatient services have been restructured to facilitate remote con-sultations. As the pandemic has entered second and third 'phases', patients' perspectives regarding remote consultation are essential. Methods Questionnaires were sent to PWE and carers attending tertiary epilepsy services at University Hospitals Birmingham. 25% of the population is from an ethnic minority. Results 378 questionnaires were analysed-278 in phase A, 100 in phase B. 57.0% respondents were female, 42.9% over 50 years. 8.2% had comorbid non epileptic attacks. 55.8% respondents preferred telephone consultation in phase A, 66% in phase B. 34.9% preferred face to face in phase A, dropping to 32% by phase B, the majority being non-white. 6.83% selected video consultation in phase A, none in phase B. The proportion citing 'safety' as a reason for remote consultation in phase A (23%) was greater than in B (5%) P<0.001 The proportion citing 'ease of access' as key increased by phase B, though non significantly p=0.03. Conclusion Ease of access continues to drive preferences for telephone consultations with infection risk in outpatients becoming less of a concern. Translating services are essential if remote consultation is to be accessible to all.