There are plenty of reasons that face to face consultations are valuable, not only to provide examinations and procedures. The limbic link that connects people and that is so important in communication is dramatically filtered when made through a screen.

“Virtual first” processes allow for better infection control, and as a minimum patients and staff will expect excellent infection control in health services.

It will never again be acceptable to sit next to a coughing patient in a waiting room, or to be sneezed on when you are doing a diabetes check.

“Virtual first” also provides opportunities for improved access through the wider open door afforded by virtual systems and for efficient service delivery through planned consultations and direction to the best source of help.

To me, it’s a no-brainer. I know the concept of change is hard, and many GPs and hospital services just want everything to be back the way it was.

Unfortunately the way it was was not working for the most disadvantaged.

The way it was was not working for many primary care services and clinicians who were over worked, under paid, and frustrated with the quality of care they were able to provide because of poor access.

The way it was was not working for many rural communities.

Let’s see if virtual first approaches can make the way it was into the way it can be.

More reading on limbic connections here : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35711

Evidence that “virtual first” approaches can improve access and outcomes can be found here: https://www.healthcarehome.org.nz/