Re-imaging healthcare delivery in the era of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deficiencies of the current healthcare system in terms of a disconnect between primary and tertiary care and increasing subspecialisation, the focus on acute episodic care rather than on prevention in a time where chronic disease prevails and an inefficient use of healthcare resources. Herein, we present the case for an alternative model of healthcare delivery – shared medical appointments – which are efficient, effective and empowering and can be transitioned to the virtual environment successfully. We highlight the barriers to implementation and how these can be overcome.