Abstract
Changes in clinical practice shaped by COVID-19 have included rapid and widespread adoption of digital technologies1 that, while enabling primary care physicians to continue to deliver health care remotely, have also created further barriers to the human connection so vital in medicine. Even before the pandemic, the physician’s use of the computer and electronic health record (EHR) had come to dominate the consultation in primary care.2 Notwithstanding the obvious utility of providing physicians with instant access to extensive patient information, and evidence-based guidelines, this uninvited third party in the consultation has disrupted the relationship between patient and doctor leading to poorer patient care3 and physician burnout.4 With global organisations now encouraging digital healthcare strategies,5 more technology is not only being invited into healthcare, but lauded as central to its delivery. Given the prominence of the computer within the consultation, it is entirely possible that more technology may drive a wedge further between the patient and doctor. Despite primary care rapidly embracing technology such as digitally delivered prescriptions, ‘fit notes’, and video consultations, recent patient-centred research articulates the experience through the patient’s eyes, balancing this enthusiasm.6 We are at an inflection point in healthcare’s digital transformation and it is vital that we drive the discussion around when and where technology is helping or hindering us in serving our patients. As purveyors of change, primary care physicians must take a lead in defining how digital technologies are used within the consultation. We recognise that the pace of technological change has been painfully slow and often disappointing, and many primary care physicians may oscillate between anxiety and …
Highlights
Changes in clinical practice shaped by COVID-19 have included rapid and widespread adoption of digital technologies[1] that, while enabling primary care physicians to continue to deliver health care remotely, have created further barriers to the human connection so vital in medicine
We recognise that the pace of technological change has been painfully slow and often disappointing, and many primary care physicians may oscillate between anxiety and apathy when thinking about digital solutions
We present our vision of a fictional patient’s healthcare journey, bringing to life their experience through our own concept — Augmented Consulting (AC)
Summary
Changes in clinical practice shaped by COVID-19 have included rapid and widespread adoption of digital technologies[1] that, while enabling primary care physicians to continue to deliver health care remotely, have created further barriers to the human connection so vital in medicine. Despite primary care rapidly embracing technology such as digitally delivered prescriptions, ‘fit notes’, and video consultations, recent patient-centred research articulates the experience through the patient’s eyes, balancing this enthusiasm.[6] We are at an inflection point in healthcare’s digital transformation and it is vital that we drive the discussion around when and where technology is helping or hindering us in serving our patients. Primary care physicians must take a lead in defining how digital technologies are used within the consultation. We recognise that the pace of technological change has been painfully slow and often disappointing, and many primary care physicians may oscillate between anxiety and apathy when thinking about digital solutions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
