Abstract
BackgroundPrimary care providers have been rapidly transitioning from in-person to telehealth care during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There is an opportunity for new research in a rapidly evolving area, where evidence for telehealth services in primary care in the Australian setting remains limited.AimTo explore general practitioner (GP) perceptions on providing telehealth (telephone and video consultation) services in primary care in Australia.Design & settingA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of GP perceptions on telehealth use in Australia.MethodGPs across Australia were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis to identify initial codes, which were then organised into themes.ResultsFourteen GPs were interviewed. Two major themes that described GP perceptions of telehealth were: (1) existence of business and financial pressures in general practice; and (2) providing quality of care in Australia. These two themes interacted with four minor themes: (3) consumer-led care; (4) COVID-19 as a driver for telehealth reimbursement and adoption; (5) refining logistical processes; and (6) GP experiences shape telehealth use.ConclusionThis study found that multiple considerations influenced GP choice of in-person, videoconference, or telephone consultation mode. For telehealth to be used routinely within primary care settings, evidence that supports the delivery of higher quality care to patients through telehealth and sustainable funding models will be required.
Highlights
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a catalyst for increased telehealth use globally
This changed in March 2020, during COVID-19, when Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) reimbursement was introduced for telephone and videoconsultations provided by general practitioners (GPs) and other clinicians.[6,7]
The interview questions explored the rationale behind GP choice of consultation mode, telehealth-related experiences during COVID-19, and views on future telehealth use
Summary
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a catalyst for increased telehealth use globally. In Australia, primary care services are mainly delivered by general practitioners (GPs) and subsidised by the Australian Government through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Primary care providers have been rapidly transitioning from in-person to telehealth care during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There is an opportunity for new research in a rapidly evolving area, where evidence for telehealth services in primary care in the Australian setting remains limited. Aim To explore general practitioner (GP) perceptions on providing telehealth (telephone and videoconsultation) services in primary care in Australia. Design & setting A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of GP perceptions on telehealth use in Australia. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis to identify initial codes, which were organised into themes
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