Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study

• DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0142
• Publication Date: 2023-12-13T15:25:11Z
• Authors: Emma J Baillie; Gregory Merlo; Ruby Biezen; Kwame Peprah Boaitey; Parker J Magin; Mieke L van Driel; Lisa Hall
• Keywords: Telehealth; Thematic Analysis; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Acute care; Pandemic

Background The use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship. Aim To explore experiences perceptions GP trainees’ supervisors’ it influences their management infections. Design & setting Australian registrars (trainees) supervisors were recruited via email through training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants conducted between July August 2022. Method Interviews transcribed verbatim analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. Results We identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity consultations. 2. Attempts to improve acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions informed by less information than consults, varying impact. 5. believed that other improperly prescribed antibiotics telehealth. 6. Supervisors hadn’t developed knowledge skills determine when conditions could be managed appropriately Conclusion Telehealth reducing transmission increasing access healthcare. However, implications GPs, especially making diagnoses certainty, consequently compromising stewardship, are concern. Patient self-assessment tools may outcomes consultations