Meeting Notes

Specialty: General Practitioner Executive Summary This meeting focused on the strategic integration of new telehealth platforms within the practice to enhance patient access and streamline administrative workflows. A key challenge identified was the initial training burden for staff, alongside ensuring robust data security measures. Strategic decisions were made regarding the selection of a preferred platform vendor and the allocation of resources for staff upskilling. Operational discussions included the phased rollout plan and communication strategies for patients. A significant point of contention arose around the potential for telehealth to inadvertently widen the digital divide for certain patient demographics, prompting a decision to implement an alternative access strategy for vulnerable groups. Key Points 1. Telehealth Platform Integration The discussion around telehealth platform integration was extensive. Dr. Anya Sharma highlighted the urgent need for a more efficient system for remote consultations, stating, "Our current setup is fragmented and creates unnecessary delays for both patients and clinicians." Sarah Jenkins, Practice Manager, detailed the various options considered, emphasising the cost-benefit analysis and ease of use for general practice staff. A recurring theme was the balance between technological advancement and maintaining a personal touch in patient care. Dr. Ben Carter expressed concerns about the initial resistance from some older patients, suggesting, "We need a clear strategy to onboard our less tech-savvy patients without alienating them." The potential impact on GP services includes increased consultation capacity and reduced waiting times, but also necessitates careful management of staff workload during the transition period. 2. Staff Training and Development Regarding staff training and development for the new telehealth platform, it was unanimously agreed that comprehensive and ongoing support would be crucial for successful implementation. Mr. David Lee, IT Lead, presented a proposed training schedule, outlining both online modules and in-person workshops. He noted, "Initial feedback from a pilot group suggests hands-on training is vital for confidence building." Dr. Eleanor Vance underscored the importance of integrating this training into existing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) frameworks to ensure its sustainability. The discussion also touched upon the need for super-users within the practice to act as internal support. This will directly impact GP services by ensuring staff are proficient in using the new tools, thereby minimising disruptions and maximising efficiency in patient care delivery. 3. Patient Communication Strategy The patient communication strategy for the new telehealth services was deliberated, with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and reassurance. Sarah Jenkins presented draft patient leaflets and website content, explaining, "We aim to keep the language simple and directly address common patient anxieties about technology." Dr. Anya Sharma suggested including a section on frequently asked questions, commenting, "Patients need to know exactly how to access services and what to expect." There was also a strong emphasis on leveraging multiple communication channels, including SMS, email, and in-practice signage, to ensure all patient demographics are reached. This strategy is critical for GP services as effective patient communication will drive uptake of the new telehealth options and ensure a smooth transition for the entire practice population.