Implementation outcomes of synchronous videoconferencing groups at an ambulatory hospital: a pragmatic evaluation

Group health interventions are a common and important part of health promotion, self-management, and treatment of many physical and mental illnesses. They are increasingly delivered virtually through videoconferencing services, spurred at first by limitations to in-person services in rural communities and then because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an ongoing desire for flexibility in how care is provided. We conducted a pragmatic evaluation of the implementation of group health interventions following the shift to synchronous videoconferencing delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic across an ambulatory hospital in Toronto, Canada. Data from the electronic health record (EHR), and surveys from group facilitators and patients were descriptively analysed. Thirty-six groups were identified from EHR data; 3540 patients participated in at least one group. Self-reported data from N = 40/48 (83%) facilitators, N = 1309/1967 (66%) pre-group patients and N = 412/2609 (16%) post-group patients were included. Although 1/5 experienced technical or practical barriers, facilitators and patients felt videoconferencing groups were appropriate for accessing care. Most patients (79%) felt participation made their health issue at least somewhat better. Those with visible and invisible disabilities noted videoconferencing groups addressed barriers to in-person participation. Facilitators and patients rated their experience as 8.5 and 8.4 (out of 10) respectively; both preferred to retain the option of videoconferencing groups in the future. Our data demonstrate that synchronous video groups across a variety of clinical departments in the hospital setting are acceptable and feasible from both the patient and facilitator perspective. These findings inform how technological innovations in care can be used to strengthen the ongoing delivery of health care services.