Examining Online Consultation Uptake in the UK: Insights from eConsult
With the digital transformation of healthcare, online consultation (OC) services have become increasingly pivotal, particularly during periods of restricted physical interaction. As a prominent provider of OC services, eConsult has seen significant changes in uptake and usage patterns over recent years. This article delves into these trends, examining how they vary by patient characteristics, practice location, and specific OC template types.
Methods and Analysis
Conducted as an observational study, this research analyzed data from OCs completed between January 2019 and December 2023. The primary focus was on OC volume and rates, which were dissected across variables such as country, region, deprivation level, template type, and user demographics, including age group and gender.
Results
Over the study period, more than 43 million OCs were submitted on the eConsult platform. A sharp increase in monthly OC submissions was noted in early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions on in-person interactions. Registrations peaked between February and May 2020, with 43.7% of English practices, 11.6% of Scottish practices, and 50.5% of Welsh practices utilizing eConsult at their respective peaks.
Interestingly, OC rates reached their zenith in October 2021, with England, Scotland, and Wales reporting 17.6, 10.5, and 20.4 OCs per 1000 GP registered patients, respectively. The data also revealed that female patients accounted for nearly two-thirds (64.4%) of OCs. Additionally, the proportion of OCs involving children aged ≤10 years has shown an upward trend over time. The majority of OCs (89%) were referred back to the patient’s office, while 7.7% were directed to emergency or urgent care services.
OC submissions on weekends and the use of generic “general advice” templates have seen a decrease over time. Furthermore, organized crime rates, which were notably higher in wealthier areas, declined steadily throughout 2022 and into most of 2023.
Conclusions
The study’s findings underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of eConsult usage across the UK. These trends may be attributed to enhancements in product functionality, increased engagement from patients and clinical staff, or local variations in service coordination. As OC services continue to evolve, understanding these patterns will be crucial for optimizing their deployment and efficacy.
For more detailed insights and data, please refer to the original study available Here.
“`
