Scoping review of patients’ experiences and use of remote consultation for multiple long-term conditions in UK primary care

Background: Digital exclusion and Multiple Long-Term Conditions have many risk factors in common. The impact of remote consultation, in primary care on the experience of patients living with Multiple Long-Term Conditions is poorly understood. Aim: To collate and review patients’ experiences and use of remote consultation in UK General Practice for Multiple Long-Term Conditions in relation to: a) Accessibility, b) Continuity of care, and c) Impact on patient journey. Methods: Scoping review was conducted with JBI methodology, using PRISMA-ScR statement. Data analysis was conducted using narrative synthesis. Results: A total of 8,902 abstracts were screened and 365 full texts were reviewed. This resulted in 16 included articles. The themes choice, privacy and communication quality were identified during analysis. Discussion: Majority of studies examined access, demonstrating higher need for access for people with Multiple Long-Term Conditions. Most patients would choose to see their General Practitioner (GP) face-to-face. Avoiding contagion (COVID-19), or upholding continuity were the only contexts where remote GP consultation for Multiple Long-Term Conditions was found to be acceptable to patients. Conclusion: Further research is warranted, particularly into how context and type of remote GP consultation affect the quality of communication and subsequently patient journey and outcomes.