Implementation of remote asthma consulting in general practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation using extended Normalisation Process Theory.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Stewart, Jonathan McCorry, Noleen Reid, Helen Hart, Nigel Kee, Frank
Copyright Year	2022
Abstract	BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid and reactive deployment of remote consulting in UK general practice. The delivery of acute and chronic asthma care has been affected. Extended Normalisation Process Theory (eNPT) provides a framework for evaluating the implementation of new complex interventions in routine practice, including examination of how context–intervention interactions affect implementation.AimTo explore the implementation of remote asthma consulting in UK general practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Design & settingMixed-methods evaluation, which was informed by eNPT, in general practice in Northern Ireland.MethodData were collected from a range of healthcare professionals who provide asthma care using online questionnaires, interviews, and multidisciplinary focus groups. Analysis was informed by eNPT.ResultsTen themes were identified to describe and explain the contribution of general practice staff to implementation of remote asthma consulting. Staff identified novel alternatives to in-person review. Having a practice champion to drive implementation forward, and engage other practice staff, was important. Patient, staff, and healthcare system-contextual factors influencing implementation were identified including access to, understanding of, and willingness to use the technology required for remote consulting.ConclusionThe experiences of frontline healthcare professionals in this study indicate that remote asthma consulting has potential benefits in terms of access and effectiveness when implementation integrates seamlessly with face-to-face care for those who want or need it. Work is required at practice and healthcare system levels to realise this potential, and ensure implementation does not exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC8958747&blobtype=pdf
Journal	BJGP Open
Volume Number	6
PubMed Central reference number	PMC8958747
Issue Number	1
PubMed reference number	34862167
e-ISSN	23983795
DOI	10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0189
Language	English
Publisher	Royal College of General Practitioners
Publisher Date	2022-03-22
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This article is Open Access: CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Copyright © 2022, The Authors
Subject Keyword	asthma qualitative research remote consulting COVID-19 general practice primary healthcare telemedicine telehealth
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Family Practice