Young persons and health care professionals experience of virtual gastroenterology consultations – a multicentre survey

ABSTRACT

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.