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ObjectiveTo explore Young Persons (YP) and healthcare professionals (HCP) experiences of virtual consultations (VC) and establish whether developmentally appropriate healthcare can be delivered virtually.MethodYP and HCP questionnaire surveys were designed and piloted. Electronic questionnaire links were sent by post, email or text message January–April 2021 to YP aged 13–25 years old, with predefined chronic gastrointestinal conditions, attending a gastroenterology/hepatology VC. HCP undertaking VC were invited to complete staff questionnaire. Results were anonymous and collated using Excel version 2302.ResultsFive UK hospital trusts participated, with 35 HCP responses. Of the 100 YP completing the survey 66% were female and 34% male aged between 13 years and 25 years (median: 18 years). 13% were new appointments and 87% follow ups, 29% were by video, 69% by phone and 2% gave no response. 80% of HCP spoke to YP directly but not privately (69%). 87% of YP and 88% HCP found VC useful. 83% of YP want VC again, although 20% preferred face to face. 43% of HCP required improved phone/internet connection. 77% of YP required hospital appointments for tests following VC.ConclusionsOverall respondents were satisfied with VC, finding them useful, convenient and time saving. Successful VC rely on appropriate patient selection and availability of reliable technology. Patient preference is key which may alter with time.
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OFR-1 Table 1Key findings YP HCP VC strengths Saved time 84% Saved money 78% Reduced travel 25% Improved access to healthcare 81% Useful appointment 87% Would like VC again 83% More efficient & convenient Don’t miss education/work Safer during COVID Spoke to YP directly 80% Saw more patients 23% More free admin time 23% Convenient Don’t always need clinic room VC barriers Poor WIFI Need extra appointment for investigations/to collect prescriptions Communication easier face to face Less private Patient had to come to hospital for tests post VC 77% Unable to speak to YP privately 69% Unable to contact patient 48% Information technology (I.T) problems 29% Difficulty arranging investigations 23% Suggested improvements Improve I.T Use video not phone Prefer face to face Improve I.T 86% Have YP present for VC Ability to speak to YP alone Having results ready and easily accessible Improved pathways for requesting tests ConclusionsOverall respondents were satisfied with VC and felt they were useful, convenient and saved time.The surveys highlighted that improved I.T for both staff and patients is vital. In addition, improved processes for requesting investigations, prescriptions and accessing results would minimise admin time for staff and extra appointments for patients.Direct engagement and privacy with YP was reported to be more difficult with VC, which is an important consideration in developmentally appropriate transitional healthcare. Some YP felt more comfortable discussing personal or complex issues face to face with a HCP that they knew.It is important to recognise patient preference for face to face or virtual clinics and personalise care accordingly, acknowledging that this may alter with time and circumstance.Successful virtual consultations rely on appropriate patient selection and availability of reliable WIFI and IT. Patient preference is key and this may alter with time.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is putting unprecedented pressures on healthcare systems globally. Early insights have been made possible by rapid sharing of data from China and Italy. In the UK, we have rapidly mobilised inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centres in order that preparations can be made to protect our patients and the clinical services they rely on. This is a novel coronavirus; much is unknown as to how it will affect people with IBD. We also lack information about the impact of different immunosuppressive medications. To address this uncertainty, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) COVID-19 IBD Working Group has used the best available data and expert opinion to generate a risk grid that groups patients into highest, moderate and lowest risk categories. This grid allows patients to be instructed to follow the UK government's advice for shielding, stringent and standard advice regarding social distancing, respectively. Further considerations are given to service provision, medical and surgical therapy, endoscopy, imaging and clinical trials.