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COVID-19: video consultations and homeworking
- Jun 5, 2020
- Latest News
Advice for doctors in all settings in getting homeworking equipment, when to consult patients via video, approved NHS tools for remote consultations and tips for running them.
Advice for GPs
Practices must now move to a triage first model for consultations. NHS England have developed a range of resources to help practices implement this approach. Practices in other nations are also moving towards this model.
Practices are asked to use telephone, video and online consultations to support triage and remote management of patients.
In particular, you are encouraged to promote online consultations to patients and introduce this service where they don’t already have it. Video consultations should be used where possible, however, telephone access will be used where there are barriers to digital access.
Video consultation
Don’t be afraid of using video – see it as an extension of a phone call.
Using apps
Commercial products such as Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime can be considered where you urgently need to have a video consultation with a patient and if alternative channels are not available.
Consider the clinical risk of not conducting the consultation against any potential risk of using these types of consumer-focused services.
NHSX is encouraging the use of videoconferencing as well as the products mentioned above.
For further information please see