A DORSET health watchdog has been taking part in a national study of online and telephone GP and other primary care consultations.

Healthwatch Dorset engaged with around 50 people throughout the summer, who all had experienced remote appointments during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Appointments were for GP, hospital outpatient, follow-up, and mental health consultations.

Healthwatch Dorset manager Louise Bate, said: “In recent months health and social care services have had to adapt quickly to find new ways to care for people while reducing the risks of spreading Covid-19.

"This has led to a significant increase in appointments over the phone or online.

"For some people this has been a positive experience. However, remote or virtual care may not be the best solution for everyone or for all types of health and social care, and for some people it has introduced new barriers to care.

"By taking part in this study we have contributed a local perspective to help build understanding nationally of how to deliver good quality care virtually."

Now a list of tips to get the most out of digital consultations, for patients and healthcare professionals, has been announced by Healthwatch England, in partnership with National Voices.

The tips for patients include:

n Let your health care provider know how you prefer to talk by phone, video or in-person.

n Find somewhere quiet and confidential and, if this isn’t possible or is tricky, make this clear when you are making your appointment.

n Start with a phone call if you are not confident with video technology.

n Ask for help if you need it and, if possible, do a practice run with a friend.

Meanwhile, top tips for healthcare professionals include:

n Check that the person is in a confidential and safe place to have the phone or video call.

n Understand the person’s level of confidence using technology and give people a choice of how to communicate.

n Slow down the pace of the consultation, demonstrate active listening.

n Use the chat function in video calls to make the appointment more interactive, share links to information or summarise next steps.

Louise said: “As we head into the autumn, NHS England are seeking to raise public awareness that face-to-face medical appointments are still available alongside these remote options, and they are urging people to seek the care, support and advice they need.

"If Dorset residents want information and advice about accessing local services or they want to share their experiences and feedback, we are here to help and to listen: contact enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102."