Summary
This research project is investigating the factors that influence patient preferences for virtual consultations. The research is split across five empirical studies:
- A review of previously published research to see how virtual consultations affect what patients need to do in the rehabilitation process.
- Interviews with patients and hospital staff to see what factors shape preferences for patients – these include the patient’s situation, what they expect of rehabilitation, what is required of the patient and the resources they have to do what is required.
- A survey of patients to understand how much these factors influence their preferences for either virtual or face-to-face consultations.
- Interviews with patients to understand the impact of COVID-19 on preferences.
- Interviews with patients, clinicians and non-clinical staff to understand their experiences of using virtual consultations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results from these studies will be used to design a pathway of care that considers patient preferences for the use of virtual consultations.
This research is funded by Health Education England and supported by the NIHR through a Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship awarded to Anthony Gilbert.