Abstract
<b>Introduction:</b> COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to healthcare delivery to reduce transmission. As such, ‘face to face’ consultations were significantly replaced by VCs. However, we do not know if healthcare professionals (HCPs) or service-users (patients) wish to continue using VCs after the pandemic. <b>Aims and objectives:</b> To understand self-reported patients’ and HCPs’ attitudes towards long term use of VCs. <b>Methods:</b> Patients’ and HCPs’ views on present and future use of VCs (video or telephone) were evaluated by two on-line surveys, exploring the usability and acceptability of using VCs during and after COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. <b>Results:</b> Surveys were open for 4 weeks. <i>Patients’ survey</i> (n=157): 84% of respondents >50 years and 67%F. 38% had Asthma and 29% COPD. Over 90% had access to internet and/or phone. Prior to March 2020, 60%used VC which increased to 83% after March 2020. >60% were satisfied with VC, and 75% say they would continue to use it in future. <i>HCPs survey</i> (n=106, mostly respiratory HCP or GPs): 80% of respondents >40 years and 56% F. 27% of physicians, 65%of GPs, and 42% other HCPs used VC prior to March 2020; which increased to 97%, 100% and 90% respectively after March 2020. 45% of HCPs said VCs can be used in the future. The remaining 55% believed it is not suitable for their patients although third of these were using it pre-COVID! <b>Conclusions:</b> The use of VC in the UK has significantly increased during the pandemic with good patients’ satisfaction and appetite to continue using this in the future. There was reluctance amongst majority of HCP to using it long term even for some of those who used it previous to the pandemic.
Published Version
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