Feasibility, acceptability and nature of vc consultation via internet
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility, acceptability and nature of video consultation via the internet in General Practice
IRAS ID
222931
Contact name
Brian McKinstry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
More people than ever now communicate via the internet and as more innovative ways of providing patient care are being considered in the face of growing demands on primary care, communicating via the internet is one of them.
Using telephone consultations (TCs) as an alternative to face-to-face (FTFC) consultations has been shown to be more time-efficient and reduce access difficulties to primary care for working and housebound patients. However, TCs come at the cost of loss of visual contact with the patient and a debate exists regarding how such consultations differ from FTFCs in terms of quality of content and/or safety. Internet-based video consulting (VC) has the potential to overcome these barriers for conditions that do not require contact examination, such as mental health reviews, or follow-up appointments.
The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness to patients and primary care clinicians of VCs via the internet, and to assess the potential differences between VCs, TCs and FTFCs by comparing the duration, nature and content and their impact on subsequent use of services.Patients aged 16 and over registered with a participating GP surgery, who have broadband at home, access to a computer with a camera and sound capability, tablet or 4G and/or Wi-Fi enabled smartphone and a working email address are eligible.
Patients will be asked to participate in one of the following; a TC, a FTFC, and a VC. Some patients will be asked to participate in a follow up telephone interview. GPs and practice nurses will be asked to participate in a focus group or one to one semi-structured interview.
The study will take place in GP practices in Lothian. It will last 18 months.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
17/WS/0061
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion