Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is to trial video consultations over the next 18 months.
Initially the appointments will be offered to patients seeing certain consultants or therapists for clinics in diabetes, gynaecology, dental, surgical pre-assessment, paediatrics, pain, rheumatology, urology and speech and language therapy.
The Trust said “Any patients who have been identified by their doctor or nurse as someone who may be suitable for a virtual appointment can choose whether they wish to attend their clinic appointment in person or try out the online video consultation.”
Following the pilot SASH will review whether they extend video consultations to further services.
Eleanor Brewer, service manager said: “We recognise that the traditional face to face hospital appointment isn’t always convenient for patients due to time and travel constraints and we know that some patients currently have to attend a number of different appointments, which can be really disruptive to their everyday lives.”
“This platform makes it possible to have a convenient video consultation from home or in their work place rather than having to travel in to the hospital, which can take hours out of a patient’s day. This will allow patients to fit appointments and check-ups around their day-to-day lives more easily and feedback shows that some people find this more convenient and a better experience.”
Dr Griffith, consultant rheumatologist who has been using the platform to conduct video consultations since September stated “Patients have rated the process of booking and joining the call as either good or very good and they tell us that they have been able to communicate everything they need to with me.”
“Patients report saving up to three hours travelling and by conducting appointments by video it reduces congestion in our car parks and waiting areas. Overall patient and doctor satisfaction has been good and every patient I have seen by video so far have been happy to conduct future appointments in this way.”
