Clinician experiences of a hybrid virtual medical service supporting rural and remote hospitals: a qualitative study

IF 6.7 2区 医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL
Anna E Thompson, Emily Saurman, Shannon Nott, Andrew Wilson, Tim Shaw
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

To explore the experiences of clinicians delivering, facilitating, and potentially affected by a hybrid virtual medical model servicing rural and remote hospitals in western New South Wales.

Design, setting, participants

Qualitative study using semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews, conducted between 7 April 2022 and 16 March 2023, with rural generalist doctors delivering the Virtual Rural Generalist Service (VRGS) within the Western NSW Local Health District, local site staff, and local general practitioner visiting medical officers (GP VMOs).

Main outcome measures

Key themes in clinician experience of the model and recommendations for improved experience, based on qualitative content analysis.

Results

We interviewed 12 VRGS doctors, 25 site nursing staff and nine GP VMOs. Clinicians were overwhelmingly positive about the VRGS, seeing it as providing good quality care and being an innovative and translatable solution to rural workforce challenges. In-person site visits by VRGS doctors were highly valued, especially by local site staff, for team building, skill building and increasing VRGS doctors’ understanding of the local context. The VRGS model relies on nursing availability and skill, and creates additional workload for nurses. Nurses in isolated sites valued the clinical support provided by the VRGS. Overall, most GP VMOs valued the fatigue relief offered by the VRGS; however, some viewed the VRGS as diminishing local doctors’ autonomy and the viability of their positions.

Conclusions

The hybrid VRGS model is widely accepted by clinicians as providing good quality care for patients and high job satisfaction for providers. The service supports the local health workforce and makes rural medical positions more attractive and sustainable. The in-person shift requirement is central to the model's effectiveness and acceptability. Further investment is needed to train and resource local nurses who play an integral role in providing virtual medical care.

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来源期刊
Medical Journal of Australia
Medical Journal of Australia 医学-医学:内科
CiteScore
9.40
自引率
5.30%
发文量
410
审稿时长
3-8 weeks
期刊介绍: The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) stands as Australia's foremost general medical journal, leading the dissemination of high-quality research and commentary to shape health policy and influence medical practices within the country. Under the leadership of Professor Virginia Barbour, the expert editorial team at MJA is dedicated to providing authors with a constructive and collaborative peer-review and publication process. Established in 1914, the MJA has evolved into a modern journal that upholds its founding values, maintaining a commitment to supporting the medical profession by delivering high-quality and pertinent information essential to medical practice.
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