Impact of Remote Consultations in Norwegian General Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Mavragani Amaryllis, Mars Maurice, Fosse Anette, Norberg Børge Lønnebakke, Austad Bjarne, Kristiansen Eli, Zanaboni Paolo, Getz Linn Okkenhaug
Primary Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Hypothesis
How do remote consultations impact contracted general practitioner practices and the overall health care system in Norway?
Conclusion
Remote consultations fundamentally reshape GP work dynamics and the health care system in Norway, requiring proactive management to maintain quality care.
Supporting Evidence
- Remote consultations empower GPs to tailor effective clinical pathways.
- GPs report increased flexibility in their workday due to remote consultations.
- Remote consultations may lead to overmedicalization and reduced self-care among patients.
- GPs express concerns about the erosion of their ability to prioritize serious health issues.
- Access to remote consultations may favor digitally competent patients, risking inequities.
Takeaway
This study shows that remote consultations help doctors work better but can also make it harder for them to notice serious health problems.
Methodology
Qualitative focus group study with 18 GPs across Norway, analyzed using thematic analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the self-reported nature of focus group discussions.
Limitations
The study reflects experiences post-pandemic and may not represent long-term norms.
Participant Demographics
Participants included experienced contract GPs from various geographical locations and income models in Norway.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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