A National Qualitative Study of Cardiovascular Clinician Experiences of Delivering Care via Telehealth (Tele-PC Study)

ABSTRACT

Background: As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare consultations and programs were delivered via telehealth in 2020. In March 2020, additional telehealth items were added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The Tele-PC Study strategically examined clinician experiences of delivering cardiovascular care via telehealth in 2020 to inform future cardiovascular care. Methods: Qualitative study conducted via individual semi-structured interviews with clinicians providing care to people with cardiovascular conditions. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. An invitation to participate in the study was circulated via CSANZ, ACRA, RACGP, and Stroke Foundation and local networks, and promoted through two conference presentations and via social media (Twitter). Results: Sixteen clinicians consented to participate and completed interviews. Clinicians were from across Australia and clinical disciplines cardiology (adult and paediatric), general practice, nursing (Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners), and allied health (dietetics, genetic counselling, and exercise physiology) and employed across settings acute care, cardiovascular rehabilitation, cardiovascular transplant, community, and outpatient care. Findings identified three overarching themes 1) environmental impacts on telehealth;2) perceived barriers and enablers to telehealth;3) understanding remote assessment and collecting physiological data. Conclusions: These qualitative data inform sustainable cardiovascular telehealth implementation and policy in Australia.