Locked out: Digitally Excluded People’s Experiences of Remote GP Appointments
The move to more digitally-led healthcare has worked well for some but excluded others over the past year. Healthwatch England report explores how people have been excluded and what needs to happen to get the care they need.
Background
The move to remote GP appointments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic happened very quickly. NHS England advised GP practices to triage patients by a telephone or online consultation system before providing them with an appointment and only providing face-to-face appointments where clinically necessary.
While this has worked well for some, it has created barriers for others. Healthwatch England spoke to people traditionally more likely to experience digital exclusion to understand why and how this can impact their healthcare experiences, especially during the pandemic. These groups included older people, people with disabilities, and people with limited English.
Read the report by Healthwatch England here.
Patient choices poster
