Junior led digital innovation: the use of attend anywhere video consultation at North Staffordshire combined healthcare NHS Trust

Stevenson, Laura

For some time, despite video consultation software being available to utilise at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT), its widespread use had not been achieved. The reasons for this were unclear as both staff and service users had previously indicated interest. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown, the trust needed to adapt quickly in order to maintain a high standard of care, whilst significantly reducing face to face appointments. A higher trainee and consultant in psychiatry, along with the Innovation Collaborative and research team, worked to promote and establish the use of Attend Anywhere video consultation software throughout the organisation.A pilot study was undertaken which demonstrated a 2834% increase in the rate of video consultation across all directorates. Staff reported that the platform was effective for: assessments;delivering psychological therapy;diagnostic appointments;and for service users anxious, isolating or shielding. It was less effective for physical observation and group work. 71% of service users were satisfied/very satisfied and 75% would have more consultations using this method, despite 66% reporting problems such as poor sound. Benefits included;reduced travel time;less time off work;no stress relating to parking/attending on time;and feeling they had the sole attention of staff.An interim report has been produced for dissemination. The next stage is to undertake focus groups with staff and service users to gain a greater understanding of how the use of video consultation software can be embedded, where appropriate, across the organisation.