Video and hybrid group clinics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating video and hybrid group consultations in general practice: mixed-methods, participatory study
IRAS ID
308516
Contact name
Sara Shaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
AIM
To better understand how group consultations for chronic conditions can benefit patients and thehealth service when delivered on video and/or in-person sessions in general practice.BACKGROUND
Before the pandemic, group consultations were starting to gain ground in the UK as a new way of delivering clinical care to multiple patients at the same time, with potential benefits resulting from peer support and time efficiencies. When in-person care was restricted due to Covid-19, clinicians started delivering group consultations over video, supported by a training programme commissioned by the government. Despite significant interest, we still know little about how group consultations delivered over video or hybrid models combining video and in-person sessions can be best implemented.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
In 5 GP practices across England, where group consultations are already being delivered, we will evaluate how these new approaches to clinical care are implemented, and how they may support an inclusive service that engages patients with different needs and preferences. The evaluation will include interviews with patients, carers, NHS staff, policy-makers and commissioners,
as well as group discussions and observations, including research led by patients themselves. We will also collect numerical data on the number and type of patients attending, whether they are more satisfied or confident with their self-management, or less likely to need to go to hospital. We will explore costs associated with these new ways of delivering care and will develop comparisons to faceto- face individual appointments. With the involvement of our PPI group, we will bring together our data
to develop practical knowledge.PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Our PPI group have provided input to this proposal and agreed to support the study. The group includes people with a range of conditions, ages, genders and ethnicities. Our PPI co-applicant will sit on the advisory group and will help shape the direction of this research.REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0277
Date of REC Opinion
19 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion