Medical students’ attitudes towards the use of video consultations in clinical genetics: A mixed-method study

Abstract Background Video consultations are increasingly used across medical specialties, including clinical genetics. However, little is known about medical students’ attitudes towards video consultations in this setting. This study aimed to explore medical students’ attitudes towards video consultations in clinical genetics and whether these attitudes changed following participation in a video consultation. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted among sixth-semester medical students at the University of Copenhagen participating in a voluntary course in telemedicine. The course consisted of pre-reading and observation of a real-life video consultation in clinical genetics. Study participants completed questionnaires before and after the course. Qualitative data were collected through focus group interviews and analyzed using systematic text condensation, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Results A total of 11 medical students participated in the study. Prior to the intervention, attitudes towards video consultations were generally neutral to moderately positive. Following participation, students reported high satisfaction with the video consultation and generally positive experiences. Only minor changes were observed between pre- and post-intervention questionnaire responses. Qualitative analysis identified five themes relating to students’ experiences of video consultations, including overall impressions, technological aspects, patient-related advantages, competencies required for effective video consultations, and the implications of digitalization for future medical practice. Conclusions Medical students generally viewed video consultations in clinical genetics positively, although participation in a single consultation appeared to have limited impact on their overall attitudes. The findings suggest that video consultations may provide a relevant educational experience and highlight the importance of exposing medical students to telemedicine as part of their medical education.