REFLECT: Exploring experiences of virtual appointments
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A collaborative qualitative exploration of the experiences of paediatric rheumatology & respiratory remote consultations
IRAS ID
302805
Contact name
Clare Pain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 2 days
Research summary
Remote consultations by video or telephone between patients and health care staff have become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote consultations can offer advantages to young patients and their families/carers, such as less time missed from school/work and less cost. However, there may also be challenges such as issues with equipment or wi-fi, and communication (making sure the child takes part and their voice is heard). Also, examining patients can be trickier to do and some can’t be done remotely.
There are likely to be other benefits and challenges associated with remote consultations. We hope to find out what they are and make this type of appointment better for children and their parents in the future.
While other studies have looked at remote consultation, none have involved children, families and health professionals to improve the quality of consultations.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/1263
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion