Augmented video consultations in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented implementation of remote consultations in UK primary care services. Specifically, older adults in care homes had a high need for infection prevention owing to their existing health conditions. GP practices in the East Midlands incorporated augmented video consultations (AVC) with the potential to support remote healthcare assessments for older adults at care homes.AimTo explore GPs' and care home staff's experiences of the use of AVC as a mechanism to perform remote examinations of older adults in care homes.Design & settingQualitative interviews were conducted with GPs and care home staff in the East Midlands, UK, during May–August 2020.MethodA convenience sample of GPs (n= 5), nurses (n= 12), and senior healthcare assistants (n= 3) were recruited using a purposive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews and analysed using framework analysis.ResultsFindings from participants indicated that AVC enabled real-time patient examinations to aid diagnosis and promoted person-centred care in meeting the needs of older adults. The participants also discussed the challenges of video consultations for patients with cognitive impairment and those receiving end-of-life care.ConclusionAVCs show great potential in terms of GPs providing primary care services for care homes. However, healthcare staff must be involved in the development of the technology, and consideration should be given to the needs of older adults with cognitive impairment and those receiving end-of-life care. It is also vital that training is available to encourage confidence and competency in implementing the technology.