Comparing conversation in remote and face-to-face seizure clinics, V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing doctor-patient conversation in remote and face-to-face seizure clinic consultations
IRAS ID
294853
Contact name
M Reuber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 7 days
Research summary
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, neurologists and patients have had to move from meeting face-to-face to talking remotely over the phone or internet. In this study we will record and study at least 30 remote seizure clinic consultations and compare them with 50 previously recorded face-to-face consultations.
Research shows that many patients appreciate the convenience of telephone or video-consultations. Neurologists, meanwhile, have expressed surprised at how much they can do for patients remotely. Because of this, remote consultations are unlikely to go away even after the risk of Covid infection has passed. However, remote consultations are also often shorter, and previous work has identified some particular challenges in remote consultations, for example, around breaking bad news and involving patients in decision-making.
We will use the methodology of Conversation Analysis to examine recordings of remote and face-to-face consultations between neurologists and patients with seizure disorders. This will allow us to understand why remote consultations are shorter, how neurologists can reduce the risk of misunderstandings when talking remotely, and how they can optimally involve patients in decision-making processes.
We will also interview patients over the telephone after we have recorded their tele-neurology appointment and ask them about their satisfaction with the encounter, whether they felt they had been listened to and been sufficiently involved in clinical decision making. The results of this study will enable clinicians to improve their remote consultation skills and allow them to avoid the pitfalls of talking to patients who are not in the same room.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0086
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion