Before lockdown was introduced, Royal College of GPs’ data shows that approximately a quarter of GP appointments were carried out remotely and around 70% carried out face-to-face. However, since the introduction of lockdown these figures have reversed with approximately 70% of GP appointments being carried out via video or telephone,” Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs tells Tech Monitor.
Pointing the doctor to a rash on a part of your anatomy via Zoom is a trend that’s showing no sign of easing and, as the medical sector – like almost all other industries – adapts to a remote world, there are increasing signs that the changes will grow roots. The latest indication that telehealth is here to stay comes with the announcement of a new £100m NHS England “framework” for online and video consultation services – which suggests the shift will lead to dramatic changes in how the NHS procures medical services; for example by letting NHS commissioners rapidly add “additional clinical capacity through an online consultation solution” that brings in digital-first locums.
Teased via a public information notice in late September, the NHS says a full-fat contract notice should land on 16 November 2020. But with the move proving…
To read the full piece, see our sister publication Tech Monitor. (For more on the relationship between Tech Monitor and Computer Business Review, see here).
Content from our partners
