Tools
Tools
Sturt, Jackie, Huxley, Caroline, Ajana, Btihaj, Gainty, Caitjan, Gibbons, Chris, Graham, Tanya, Khadjesari, Zarnie 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2958-9555, Lucivero, Federica, Rogers, Rebecca, Smol, Annie, Watkins, Jocelyn A. and Griffiths, Frances
(2020)
How does the use of digital consulting change the meaning of being a patient and/or a health professional? Lessons from the Long-term Conditions Young People Networked Communication study.
Digital Health, 6.
ISSN 2055-2076
Preview |
PDF (Sturt_etal_2020_DigitalHealth)
- Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (624kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background: While studies have examined the impact of digital communication technology on healthcare, there is little exploration of how new models of digital care change the roles and identities of the health professional and patient. The purpose of the current study is to generate multidisciplinary reflections and questions around the use of digital consulting and the way it changes the meaning of being a patient and/or a health professional. Method: We used a large pre-existing qualitative dataset from the Long-term Conditions Young People Networked Communication (LYNC) study which involved interviews with healthcare professionals and a group of 16–24 years patients with long-term physical and mental health conditions. We conducted a three-stage mixed methods analysis. First, using a small sample of interview data from the LYNC study, we identified three key themes to explore in the data and relevant academic literature. Second, in small groups we conducted secondary analysis of samples of patient and health professional LYNC interview data. Third, we ran a series of rapid evidence reviews. Findings: We identified three key themes: workload/flow, impact of increased access to healthcare and vulnerabilities. Both health professionals and patients were 'on duty' in their role more often. Increased access to healthcare introduced more responsibilities to both patients and health professionals. Traditional concepts in medical ethics, confidentiality, empathy, empowerment/power, efficiency and mutual responsibilities are reframed in the context of digital consulting. Conclusions: Our collaboration identified conflicts and constraints in the construction of digital patients and digital clinicians. There is evidence that digital technologies change the nature of a medical consultation and with it the identities and the roles of clinicians and patients which, in turn, calls for a redefinition of traditional concepts of medical ethics. Overall, digital consulting has the potential to significantly reduce costs while maintaining or improving patient care and clinical outcomes. Timely study of digital engagement in the National Health Service is a matter of critical importance.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | digital health,long-term conditions young people networked communication,access,digital consulting,empowerment,healthcare professional,identity,patient,power,workload,health informatics,health policy,computer science applications,health information management,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2718 |
| Faculty \ School: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences |
| UEA Research Groups: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Behavioural and Implementation Science Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing User: | LivePure Connector |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jul 2020 23:53 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Oct 2023 02:44 |
| URI: | https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/76305 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/2055207620942359 |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |