The diversity of providers’ and consumers’ views of virtual versus inpatient care provision: a qualitative study

Bibliographic Details
Title: The diversity of providers’ and consumers’ views of virtual versus inpatient care provision: a qualitative study
Authors: Robyn Clay-Williams, Peter Hibbert, Ann Carrigan, Natalie Roberts, Elizabeth Austin, Diana Fajardo Pulido, Isabelle Meulenbroeks, Hoa Mi Nguyen, Mitchell Sarkies, Sarah Hatem, Katherine Maka, Graeme Loy, Jeffrey Braithwaite
Source: BMC Health Services Research, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-12 (2023)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2023.
Publication Year: 2023
Collection: LCC:Public aspects of medicine
Subject Terms: Virtual care, Consumers’ views of care, Providers’ views of care, Qualitative research, Hospitals, Innovation in care models, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
More Details: Abstract Background A broad-based international shift to virtual care models over recent years has accelerated following COVID-19. Although there are increasing numbers of studies and reviews, less is known about clinicians’ and consumers’ perspectives concerning virtual modes in contrast to inpatient modes of delivery. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study in late 2021 examining consumers’ and providers’ expectations of and perspectives on virtual care in the context of a new facility planned for the north-western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Data were collected via a series of workshops, and a demographic survey. Recorded qualitative text data were analysed thematically, and surveys were analysed using SPSS v22. Results Across 12 workshops, 33 consumers and 49 providers from varied backgrounds, ethnicities, language groups, age ranges and professions participated. Four advantages, strengths or benefits of virtual care reported were: patient factors and wellbeing, accessibility, better care and health outcomes, and additional health system benefits, while four disadvantages, weaknesses or risks of virtual care were: patient factors and wellbeing, accessibility, resources and infrastructure, and quality and safety of care. Conclusions Virtual care was widely supported but the model is not suitable for all patients. Health and digital literacy and appropriate patient selection were key success criteria, as was patient choice. Key concerns included technology failures or limitations and that virtual models may be no more efficient than inpatient care models. Considering consumer and provider views and expectations prior to introducing virtual models of care may facilitate greater acceptance and uptake.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1472-6963
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/1472-6963
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09715-x
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/8ce3f4d5911b45749caf78bea37089fd
Accession Number: edsdoj.8ce3f4d5911b45749caf78bea37089fd
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
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More Details
ISSN:14726963
DOI:10.1186/s12913-023-09715-x
Published in:BMC Health Services Research
Language:English