Can webinars support the implementation of video consultations at pace and scale within the allied health professions?

Abstract

Background/aims In an attempt to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and support remote working, many allied healthcare professionals were equipped with video consultation technology. To support this new way of working, profession-specific webinars were delivered and attended by over 50% of the total allied healthcare professional workforce in Scotland. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these webinars on the knowledge and confidence of allied health professionals in delivering services via video conferencing. Methods Attendees knowledge and current video conferencing use were ascertained immediately before and after webinars. Surveys were also completed at 4 and 8 weeks after the webinar to establish any impact on clinical practice. Results Levels of understanding, knowledge and confidence increased considerably (P<0.001). Follow up at 8 weeks post webinar identified that 75.5% of attendees were using video conferencing, with allied healthcare professional video conferencing activity representing 17% of all national activity by June 2020. Conclusions Upskilling a diverse and dispersed workforce at pace and scale to enable safe remote working has been critical throughout the pandemic. Webinars have proven to be popular with staff to increase their knowledge of and ability to confidently use video conferencing to provide allied healthcare professional services across Scotland.