Abstract
Introduction As information and communication technology continues to shape the healthcare landscape, future medical practitioners need to be equipped with skills and competencies that ensure safe, high-quality, and person-centred healthcare in a digitised healthcare system. This study investigated undergraduate medical students’ and medical educators’ opinions of teleconsultation practice in general and their opinions of teleconsultation education.
Methods This study used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, utilising the additional coverage design to sequence and integrate qualitative and quantitative data. An online questionnaire was sent out to all medical schools in the UK, inviting undergraduate medical students and medical educators to participate. Questionnaire participants were given the opportunity to take part in a qualitative semi-structured interview. Descriptive and correlation analyses and a thematic analysis were conducted.
Results A total of 248 participants completed the questionnaire and 23 interviews were conducted. Saving time and the reduced risks of transmitting infectious diseases were identified as common advantages of using teleconsultation. However, concerns about confidentiality and accessibility to services were expressed by students and educators. Eight themes were identified from the thematic analysis. The themes relevant to teleconsultation practice were (1) The benefit of teleconsultations, (2) A second-best option, (3) Patient choice, (4) Teleconsultations differ from in-person interactions, and (5) Impact on the healthcare system. The themes relevant to teleconsultation education were (6) Considerations and reflections on required skills, (7) Learning and teaching content, and (8) The future of teleconsultation education.
Discussion The results of this study have implications for both medical practice and education. Patient confidentiality, safety, respecting patients’ preferences, and accessibility are important considerations for implementing teleconsultations in practice. Education should focus on assessing the appropriateness of teleconsultations, offering accessible and equal care, and developing skills for effective communication and clinical reasoning. High-quality teleconsultation education can influence teleconsultation practice.
Methods This study used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, utilising the additional coverage design to sequence and integrate qualitative and quantitative data. An online questionnaire was sent out to all medical schools in the UK, inviting undergraduate medical students and medical educators to participate. Questionnaire participants were given the opportunity to take part in a qualitative semi-structured interview. Descriptive and correlation analyses and a thematic analysis were conducted.
Results A total of 248 participants completed the questionnaire and 23 interviews were conducted. Saving time and the reduced risks of transmitting infectious diseases were identified as common advantages of using teleconsultation. However, concerns about confidentiality and accessibility to services were expressed by students and educators. Eight themes were identified from the thematic analysis. The themes relevant to teleconsultation practice were (1) The benefit of teleconsultations, (2) A second-best option, (3) Patient choice, (4) Teleconsultations differ from in-person interactions, and (5) Impact on the healthcare system. The themes relevant to teleconsultation education were (6) Considerations and reflections on required skills, (7) Learning and teaching content, and (8) The future of teleconsultation education.
Discussion The results of this study have implications for both medical practice and education. Patient confidentiality, safety, respecting patients’ preferences, and accessibility are important considerations for implementing teleconsultations in practice. Education should focus on assessing the appropriateness of teleconsultations, offering accessible and equal care, and developing skills for effective communication and clinical reasoning. High-quality teleconsultation education can influence teleconsultation practice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e0302088 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-22 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | PLoS ONE |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Mar 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Dive into the research topics of 'Medical students’ and educators’ opinions of teleconsultation in practice and undergraduate education: a UK-based mixed-methods study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Datasets
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“I think it’s a lot harder” – fundamentals for developing a core curriculum in telecommunication and teleconsultation in undergraduate medical education in the UK (thesis data)
Wetzlmair, L. (Creator), O'Carroll, V. (Supervisor) & O'Malley, A. S. (Supervisor), University of St Andrews, 9 May 2028
DOI: 10.17630/84eb74f3-e316-4618-a112-19b2f24377ac, https://doi.org/10.17630/sta/451
Dataset: Thesis dataset
Student theses
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“I think it’s a lot harder” – fundamentals for developing a core curriculum in telecommunication and teleconsultation in undergraduate medical education in the UK
Wetzlmair, L. (Author), Mitchell, V. (Supervisor) & O'Malley, A. S. (Supervisor), 16 Jun 2023Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis (PhD)
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