Dr. Paul Acheampong. (submitted photo)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Alternative delivery

Doctor looking to hear from people who have had virtual appointments

Jul 17, 2020 | 2:47 PM

Dr. Paul Acheampong is a Prince Albert doctor who is an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine and also specializes in general internal medicine.

However right now he has another focus — getting feedback from patients who have had appointments with doctors via telephone or through a video conference. Acheampong explained since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors have been making use of these technologies.

He added virtual care should be looked at closely as most doctors are prepared to continue offering it and they want to hear from patients about their experience.

“It’s like an alternative in delivering care. We know there are limitations, but we also know there is a great potential in there to help provide care. Particularly in our parts where people come from distant places,” he said.

The survey is available online and according to Acheampong takes around 10 to 20 minutes to complete. To be able to take part, patients must have had an online or phone appointment since April 1 of this year.

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The survey touches on a range of areas, asking how patients feel about their privacy, to their opinion on the quality of care they received. There will as well be a focus on the travel costs patients incur if they are farther away from their doctor.

“What’s the financial impact? What’s the economic impact? How does this impact on childcare, is it a young family? so all of that is being looked at,” he said.

Acheampong explained there has been somewhat of a change in thinking by the province when it comes to doctors delivering services remotely, as previously it was not encouraged.

“Until the pandemic came, these services when doctors offered them, [they] we’re not being paid for,” he said.

The P.A. based doctor hopes the gathered information will help shape the future vision for this type of service and the way in which it is delivered.

The project is a collaboration involving the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the provincial Ministry of Health.

While the main use for the data gathered will be to improve the delivery of virtual services in Saskatchewan, Acheampong said there are as well plans to publish their findings in medical journals to share what they learn with their colleagues.

“To inform the national dialogue with regards to the use of this means of reaching out to patients,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn