A senior orthotist working for Scotland’s biggest health board has told how her service’s virtual clinic increases patients’ access to specialist advice.
Colette Dickson, a Senior Orthotist with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said many long-term patients only need a quick check-in or to ask a question.
In these cases, they are normally contacted within a day to help resolve their issue, rather than a face-to-face appointment being booked for them.
NHSGGC wants to increase its use of video and phone consultations where clinically appropriate.
Colette said the orthotics service set up a virtual clinic during the Covid pandemic and chose not to revert back to 100% face-to-face because they could see the benefits to both patients and staff.
These include saving patients time and money by reducing their need to travel. They also allow for greater flexibility, with patients less likely to have to take time away from work, education or other responsibilities to attend hospital unnecessarily.
Colette said the orthotics virtual clinic has had a significant impact on waiting times and those who do want or require a face-to-face appointment are seen faster.
She said: “In person appointments are still available and are always an option to anyone who would rather be seen this way.
“But the response from our patients has been overwhelmingly positive. We have patients who are working in busy jobs and it’s beneficial to them not to have to take time off every time they need to speak to a specialist.
“We cover the whole of Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Some patients have issues with parking or getting transport to our sites, so being able to do their appointment virtually is better for them.
“What we’ve found is that not everyone needs a full appointment – a lot of the time it’s just a quick check in they need, and they just want to ask a quick question or for some advice from a specialist.
“We can do that without booking them for a full appointment and it’s unlikely they’d wait more than a day to hear back.
“We can speak to them first and suggest things they can try before they make the trip all the way in.
“It also means those who do need to be seen face-to-face can be seen faster.
“After Covid no one wanted to get rid of it – we’ve been able to show how effectively patients can be seen.”.
Colette said there are particular benefits for care home residents and patients receiving palliative care as virtual appointments prevent them having to travel unnecessarily, while repeat and replacement orthotics are now posted rather than patients having to collect them.
And she said virtual consultations also have benefits for staff, increasing flexibility and allowing them to work from home when required.
She added: “It also allowed me to continue contributing when I was shielding during the Covid pandemic when I otherwise would have had to take time off – all of which impacts patients.
“My colleagues and I feel it gives us more control over our day.”
Patients are being reminded they can explore the option of a virtual consultation with their healthcare professional.
Face-to-face appointments will always be offered to those who need them for reasons such as the requirement for a physical examination, or when complex information must be shared.
