Growing demand for access to NHS primary care means services are under increasing pressure. Many GP providers are using digital technologies (video/email/other online consultations) to try to improve access and efficiency. Alongside this is rapid growth in health technologies, which collect, measure, or interpret health data, and provide health information or advice. Many technologies have positive potential; however, the speed with which they are becoming available, increasingly blurred boundaries between health and lifestyle technologies and traditional healthcare provision, and the confidence and skills GPs have in using digital health technologies, bring new complexities and concerns.
A NEED FOR TRAINING
Successful adoption of innovative technologies in primary care requires effective preparation of future and current primary care workforce, enabling appropriate use by healthcare professionals, patients, and communities. Although some training programmes do exist, these are not routinely integrated within primary care training. There is a distinct gap in both training and capacity building in this area, and the evidence base to inform development and content of training is limited. In this article we explore risks and challenges of digital technologies in primary care and relate these to training needs for GPs, trainees, and medical students.
In this analysis we draw on literature as well as first-hand experience of practising GPs. In June 2019 we conducted two workshops on digital health with approximately 30 GP teachers who supervise medical students’ placements, which informed our understanding of four key areas of digital health risks and challenges in general practice. Based on risks and challenges identified, we present recommendations for training to support the implementation of digital primary care.
KEY CHALLENGES AND RISKS
Consultation skills
Telephone consultations (TCs) were initially introduced to meet increased patient demand to speak to a doctor. As early as 1978 TCs were described as being as much a part of a doctor’s equipment as a stethoscope, and …
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