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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | COVID-19 | Research article

A mixed-methods survey to explore issues with virtual consultations for musculoskeletal care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Anthony W Gilbert, Gregory Booth, Tony Betts, Andy Goldberg

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Objective

To explore orthopaedic and musculoskeletal clinicians’ views and experiences of legal, safety, safeguarding and security issues regarding the use of virtual consultations (VC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary objective was to suggest ways to overcome these issues.

Methods

A mixed method cross-sectional survey was conducted, seeking the views and experiences of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal medically qualified and Allied Health Professionals in the United Kingdom. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed for quantitative data and a qualitative content analysis undertaken for qualitative data. Findings were presented in accordance with the four key issues.

Results

Two hundred and ninety professionals (206 physiotherapists, 78 medically qualified professionals, 6 ‘other’ therapists) participated in the survey. Of the 290 participants, 260 (90%) were not using VC prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 248 respondents (86%) were unsure whether their professional indemnity insurance covered VC, 136 (47%) had considered how they would handle an issue of safeguarding whilst the remainder had not, 126 (43%) had considered what they would do if, during a virtual consultation, a patient suffered an injury (e.g. bang on their head) or a fall (e.g. mechanical or a medical event like syncope) and 158 (54%) reported they felt the current technological solutions are secure in terms of patient data. Qualitative data provided additional context to support the quantitative findings such as validity of indemnification, accuracy of diagnosis and consent using VC, safeguarding issues; and security and sharing of data. Potential changes to practice have been proposed to address these issues.

Conclusions

VC have been rapidly deployed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic often without clear guidance or consensus on many important issues. This study identified legal, safeguarding, safety and security issues. There is an urgent need to address these and develop local and national guidance and frameworks to facilitate ongoing safe virtual orthopaedic practice beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Title: A mixed-methods survey to explore issues with virtual consultations for musculoskeletal care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Anthony W Gilbert
Gregory Booth
Tony Betts
Andy Goldberg
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04113-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

A mixed-methods survey to explore issues with virtual consultations for musculoskeletal care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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