Patient and provider perspectives on the design and implementation of an electronic consultation system for kidney care delivery in Canada: a focus group study

• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014784
• Publication Date: 2017-03-03T01:10:42Z
• Authors: Aminu K Bello; Anita E Molzahn; Louis P Girard; Mohamed A Osman; Ikechi G Okpechi; Jodi Glassford; Stephanie Thompson; Erin Keely; Clare Liddy; Braden Manns; Kailash Jinda; Scott Klarenbach; Brenda Hemmelgarn; Marcello Tonelli
• Keywords: Health Services Research; Health Care Delivery

Objectives We assessed stakeholder perceptions on the use of an electronic consultation system (e-Consult) to improve delivery kidney care in Alberta. aim identify acceptability, barriers and facilitators e-Consult for ambulatory delivery. Methods This was a qualitative focus group study using thematic analysis design. Eight groups were held four locations province Alberta, Canada. In total, there 72 participants two broad categories: patients (including patients' relatives) providers primary physicians, nephrologists, other policymakers). Findings The generally acceptable across all groups. key identified length time required referring physicians complete due lack integration with current medical records, concerns that increased numbers requests might overwhelm nephrologists lead delayed response or unsustainable system. potential improvement coordination, dissemination best practice through educational platform, comprehensive data make decisions without need face-to-face consultation, timely feedback providers, timeliness/reduced delays rapid triage identification cases needing urgent improved access information facilitate decision-making patient care. Conclusions Stakeholder regarding favourable, will be considered design implementation sustainable