Benefits, challenges and sustainability of digital healthcare for NHS Wales: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction Digital healthcare in the UK was adopted out of necessity rather than choice during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as we move forward, UK governments and healthcare services have acknowledged its evident benefits for patients, staff and the National Health Service (NHS), and are keen to sustain its improvements in the long term. Objective To understand the benefits, challenges and sustainability of a future-proof digital healthcare. Design A semi-structured interview study was conducted. Setting In NHS services in Wales, UK. Participants With clinical and non-clinical staff across a mix of clinical specialties. Outcome measures Semi-structured interviews were conducted to address benefits, challenges and sustainability of a national video consulting (VC) service, and thematically coded using a quantification method of qualitative work. Results A total of 203 interviews were conducted and 3 dominant domains emerged, with 7 themes and 26 categories. Limitations It is important to acknowledge that these findings were captured during a pandemic. Conclusions NHS Wales has demonstrated that currently there are an equal measure of benefits and challenges to a national digital healthcare. However, with ongoing government and service support, improvement and evaluation, it has potential for a sustainable digital future, in which the benefits can outweigh the challenges.