| Autor: |
Karthik Tennankore, Jennifer Jones, Ashley Miller, Ashfaq Adib, Shan Mathew, Daniel Rasic, Jacob Cookey |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2023 |
| Předmět: |
|
| Zdroj: |
Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 11 (2023) |
| Druh dokumentu: |
article |
| ISSN: |
2296-2565 |
| DOI: |
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284566 |
| Popis: |
IntroductionAddressing challenges in access to specialty care, particularly long wait times and geographic disparities, is a pressing issue in the Canadian healthcare system. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and feasibility of provider-to-provider phone consultations between primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists using a novel virtual care platform in Nova Scotia (Virtual Hallway).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey over 5 months, involving 211 PCPs and 34 specialists across Nova Scotia. The survey assessed the need for formal in-person referrals as well as clinician satisfaction. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and the one-sample t-test.ResultsWe found that 84% of provider-to-provider phone consultations negated the need for an in-person specialist referral. It was also reported that 90% of patients that did require in-person consultation had enhanced care while they awaited an in-person appointment with a specialist. Very high levels of satisfaction were reported among both PCPs and specialists, and there was a noticeable increase in billing volumes related to these consultations as measured by provincial billing codes.ConclusionThe findings indicate that provider-to-provider phone consultations are feasible, well-accepted and also effective in reducing the need for in-person specialist visits. This approach offers a promising avenue for alleviating waitlist burdens, enhancing the quality of care, and improving the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. |
| Databáze: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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