Carol Bryce1, Matthew Dl O'Connell2, Jeremy Dale3, Martin Underwood4, Helen Atherton3. 1. Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK c.bryce.1@warwick.ac.uk. 2. Department of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK. 3. Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. 4. Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Improving access to primary health care in the UK has focused on the use of telephone and online access, but little is known about how awareness of and use varies between different patient groups. AIM: To determine how patients are interacting with telephone and online channels for accessing general practice services and information, and to analyse how this varies according to patient characteristics and health status. DESIGN & SETTING: A cross-sectional self-administered survey of adult patients in general practices across the West Midlands, UK. METHOD: Descriptive statistics were used to show participants' awareness of and interaction with online information sources and remote access. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the relationships between demographic and health characteristics, and awareness and use of online services and alternatives to face-to-face consultations (for example, telephone). RESULTS: A total of 2789 patients (19.0% response rate) from 43 general practices participated. The study found 60.8% (n = 1651/2715) of participants were aware of online services and 30.3% (n = 811/2674) reported having used one. Daily internet usage and frequently visiting the GP showed the strongest associations with knowledge and use of online services. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is the potential for inequitable awareness and use of telephone and online services in general practice populations. Given that their use has greatly increased owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, future service design will need to ensure equity is taken into account.
BACKGROUND: Improving access to primary health care in the UK has focused on the use of telephone and online access, but little is known about how awareness of and use varies between different patient groups. AIM: To determine how patients are interacting with telephone and online channels for accessing general practice services and information, and to analyse how this varies according to patient characteristics and health status. DESIGN & SETTING: A cross-sectional self-administered survey of adult patients in general practices across the West Midlands, UK. METHOD: Descriptive statistics were used to show participants' awareness of and interaction with online information sources and remote access. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the relationships between demographic and health characteristics, and awareness and use of online services and alternatives to face-to-face consultations (for example, telephone). RESULTS: A total of 2789 patients (19.0% response rate) from 43 general practices participated. The study found 60.8% (n = 1651/2715) of participants were aware of online services and 30.3% (n = 811/2674) reported having used one. Daily internet usage and frequently visiting the GP showed the strongest associations with knowledge and use of online services. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is the potential for inequitable awareness and use of telephone and online services in general practice populations. Given that their use has greatly increased owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, future service design will need to ensure equity is taken into account.
Authors: Zoe Paskins; Laurna Bullock; Fay Manning; Simon Bishop; Paul Campbell; Elizabeth Cottrell; G P Partner; Clare Jinks; Melanie Narayanasamy; Ian C Scott; Opinder Sahota; Sarah Ryan Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2022-04-02 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Brandi Leach; Sarah Parkinson; Evangelos Gkousis; Gary Abel; Helen Atherton; John Campbell; Christopher Clark; Emma Cockcroft; Christine Marriott; Emma Pitchforth; Jon Sussex Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2022-07-14 Impact factor: 7.076