Support for remote doc appointments

Eighty per cent of patients across the NHS Tayside region would be willing to try video or telephone consultation instead of having a routine GP appointment in person, according to the results of a survey.

More than 530 people responded to a survey that was shared on NHS Tayside’s social media channels.

It aimed to find out the public’s opinion about changes to access to GP services that had taken place during the pandemic.

Although GP practices across Tayside have remained open during the pandemic, some have developed systems to offer video consultations with patients using video consulting software called Nea Me or have offered telephone appointments.

The results show three-quarters of people were aware of video consultations while almost the same amount would be comfortable to review their asthma/COPD/blood pressure remotely using a telephone/video.

And despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 90 per cent of those who responded would feel comfortable attending in person just now for an annual review of a long-term condition.

David Shaw, interim associate medical director for primary care, said: “Hearing the views of our patients is critical to help us shape the future of how we deliver our services.

“GP services have gone through a period of immense change in a very short period of time as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. GPs are very keen that patients have both their immediate and their longer term health needs met.

“This means that we need to make it as easy as possible for patients to be able to use the new remote systems of care that reduce the risk of a second wave of coronavirus, while still ensuring that those immediate and longer health concerns are addressed in an effective way.”