DECODE, our project exploring the unintended consequences of online GP consultations and other digital health tools, has featured in a British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) podcast.
Professor Jeremy Horwood spoke to Euan Lawson for the BJGP podcast about the DECODE study. Jeremy said:
“Our study found that while online consultations could improve access for some patients, they also had the unintended consequence of reducing some patients’ ability to communicate effectively with a clinician.
“For some GPs, online consultations were valued for giving greater flexibility in managing patient care and staff working patterns. However, for others online consultations generated additional work and led to staff dissatisfaction. In many cases the unintended consequences we identified were often the result of how the online consultations were implemented. From our study findings we have produced guidance to GP practices to help mitigate against the unintended consequences.”