National Evaluation of Group Consultation Models
Research type
Research Study
Full title
National Evaluation of Group Consultation Models: Sir Jules Thorn Trust Virtual Hub
IRAS ID
275366
Contact name
Fraser Birrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of (virtual) group consultations across the U.K. when compared to traditional 1:1 consultations.
In light of the COVID19 crisis the initial focus will be on virtual group consultations (VGC) with a view to include face to face consultations(GC) in the evaluation once these recommence. When the time comes VGC will be continued as an extension to overcome barriers and will remain within ongoing evaluation.
This study will have 4 interlinked, progressive elements mapping to the Quadruple Aims for Healthcare:
1. Clinical Observational Cohort data aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the group consultation model determined by achievement of an agreed treatment target for individual health conditions
2. Health economic element to assess cost-effective group consultations
3. Ongoing process evaluation element based on interview to show the capacity for benefit from this new model of consultation.
4. Educational element whereby medical students, students of the allied health professions and postgraduates are involved in sculpting medical education to smoothly facilitate this new style of consultation.
Participants will be selected from GP surgeries and hospitals across the U.K. to comprise observational cohort A:
A. Participants attending VGC/GC, or comparator group not attending VGC/GC, to be followed via routine data collection
Within the study there will be a further 3 nested population sub-groups, selected from those who have been trained in the delivery of group care, including both virtually delivered and face to face consultation:
B. Participants completing EQ-5D and further questionnaires online and engaged in further data collection
C. Patients and staff consenting to interview for the process evaluation
D. Participants providing further data for the educational research element
Most data used will be routinely collected pseudoanonymised information not subject to explicit consent with a subset, notably included in process evaluation, of participants consenting to provide identifiable data. This data will be collected from all included centers.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
21/WA/0040
Date of REC Opinion
8 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion