Ellie Courtney1, Daniel Blackburn2, Markus Reuber3. 1. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK. Electronic address: Ecourtney1@sheffield.ac.uk. 2. Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2JF, UK. Electronic address: d.blackburn@sheffield.ac.uk. 3. Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2JF, UK. Electronic address: m.reuber@sheffield.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic enforced an almost complete switch from face-to-face clinical work to tele-neurology. This study explores neurologists' perceptions of telephone and videophone remote consultations. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurologists and a GP with a specialist interest (n = 22). Interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom®, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: 'unknown unknowns (risks/uncertainties)', 'better service', 'challenges', and 'beyond the pandemic'. Thematic saturation was achieved by interview 19. Participants highlighted a number of benefits of remote consultations but over 80% also complained of a reduction in work satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The sudden introduction of tele-neurology is unlikely to be fully reversed when pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. However, this study confirms tele-neurology cannot completely replace face-to-face consultations. Some patient groups and consultation types require direct contact. Moreover, significant administrative and infrastructural investment will be required to develop the full potential of tele-neurology. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Tele-medicine is capable of improving access and efficiency of specialist neurology services, but limited by lack of non-verbal communication and technical problems. It could enhance service provision with sufficient infrastructural and administrative investment, but may reduce neurologists' job statisfaction.
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic enforced an almost complete switch from face-to-face clinical work to tele-neurology. This study explores neurologists' perceptions of telephone and videophone remote consultations. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurologists and a GP with a specialist interest (n = 22). Interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom®, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged: 'unknown unknowns (risks/uncertainties)', 'better service', 'challenges', and 'beyond the pandemic'. Thematic saturation was achieved by interview 19. Participants highlighted a number of benefits of remote consultations but over 80% also complained of a reduction in work satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The sudden introduction of tele-neurology is unlikely to be fully reversed when pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. However, this study confirms tele-neurology cannot completely replace face-to-face consultations. Some patient groups and consultation types require direct contact. Moreover, significant administrative and infrastructural investment will be required to develop the full potential of tele-neurology. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Tele-medicine is capable of improving access and efficiency of specialist neurology services, but limited by lack of non-verbal communication and technical problems. It could enhance service provision with sufficient infrastructural and administrative investment, but may reduce neurologists' job statisfaction.
Authors: Guangxia Meng; Carrie McAiney; Christopher M Perlman; Ian McKillop; Therese Tisseverasinghe; Helen H Chen Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2022-04-22 Impact factor: 2.908
Authors: Gerald T Pagaling; Adrian I Espiritu; Marie Antoinette A Dellosa; Carl Froilan D Leochico; Paul Matthew D Pasco Journal: Neurol Sci Date: 2021-11-03 Impact factor: 3.830