Exploring the delivery of on-line asthma reviews in primary care: a mixed-methods study

Clinical Research Results Abstract Research Idea Abstract Research questionsAre on-line asthma reviews acceptable and useful to patients? What are the perceptions of clinicians and healthcare professionals of implementing on-line asthma reviews? BackgroundPeople living with asthma require regular reviews to address their concerns and questions, assess control, review medication, and support self-management [1]. However, practical barriers to attending face-to-face consultations can limit attendance. The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for infection control has forced a dramatic change in the organisation of primary care, including a move to remote consulting [2]. On-line asthma reviews, as an option in primary care, are likely to be convenient, but little is known about how these on-line reviews are being used, if/how they are acceptable and useful to patients, and if they are perceived as effective and safe by the healthcare professionals. MethodologyThis study will proceed in four stages and use mixed-methods to answer the following objectives:1. Identify existing approaches to on-line asthma reviewsSystematic review of published literatureScoping exercise to explore processes and technologies already in place in primary care2. Explore perceptions of implementing on-line (and other modes of) asthma reviewsIn-depth interviews with relevant stakeholdersObservation of how practices use on-line questionnaires/consultationsAssess the shift in practice 3. Develop a toolkit of procedures for safe use of on-line reviewsSynthesis of the learning from the systematic review and qualitative phase4. Test the feasibility of implementing the on-line review procedureFeasibility study with a small group of general practices Questions to discuss Is on-line consulting an option in many healthcare systems?How should on-line asthma reviews be organised in the context of routine primary care? FundingNU is supported by an AUKCAR PhD studentship nested in the IMP2ART ((IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine) programme of work at the University of Edinburgh. Competing interestsAll other authors declare no competing interests. ReferencesPinnock H. Supported self-management for asthma. Breathe. 2015 Jun 1;11(2):98-109.NHS (2020). Millions of patients benefiting from remote consultations as family doctors respond to COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/05/millions-of-patients-benefiting-from-remote-consultations-as-family-doctors-respond-to-covid-19/. Last accessed: 21st January 2022. Service Development & Evaluation Abstract Declaration of Interest References and Clinical Trial Registry Information