During the pandemic, video consultations became a normal part of community healthcare. They helped healthcare practitioners keep in touch with patients while reducing the risk of infection. Many people found them useful, and they seemed like they might become a permanent option for care.
But now, they’ve almost disappeared.
I looked into this in my research. Despite the benefits, video consultations haven’t become a regular part of healthcare. Why? Because several challenges make them harder to use in everyday practice.
Why Are Video Consultations Declining?
1. They Don’t Work for Every Condition
Video calls are fine for simple check-ups, follow-ups, or advice. But for anything that needs a physical examination—like checking blood pressure, feeling for swelling, or listening to breathing—doctors and nurses can’t do much through a screen. This makes them feel less confident about their assessments.
2. Technology Can Be Unreliable
A weak internet connection, a frozen screen, or sound cutting out can make a consultation frustrating. If a doctor can’t hear or see a patient properly, or if a patient struggles to connect, it affects the quality of care. These issues make some clinicians prefer in-person visits, where they don’t have to worry about tech failures.
3. It’s Harder to Build a Personal Connection
Many clinicians and patients say that video calls feel less personal. A lot of communication happens through body language, small gestures, and eye contact—things that don’t always come across on a screen. Some patients also feel more comfortable speaking in person rather than over a video call.
4. There Was Little Training or Guidance
When video consultations were introduced, many healthcare workers had to figure them out on their own. Some received basic training, but many didn’t get clear guidance on when or how to use them properly. Without structured support, it’s been easier to go back to traditional face-to-face care.
5. Not Everyone Finds Technology Easy to Use
While some patients prefer video consultations, others find them difficult. Some struggle with setting up a call, using a smartphone or laptop, or dealing with passwords and links. For these patients, in-person or phone appointments feel much easier and less stressful.
6. They Don’t Always Fit into Daily Workflows
In many cases, video consultations don’t fit smoothly into how healthcare teams work. They require extra steps, such as setting up a video link or switching between different systems to take notes. For busy professionals, these extra steps can feel like more effort than they’re worth.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Virtual Care?
Video consultations still have potential. They can make care more flexible, reduce travel time for patients, and help manage workloads for healthcare teams. But for them to work alongside traditional face-to-face care, some things need to change:
✅ Better training and support for healthcare staff
✅ More reliable technology to reduce disruptions
✅ Clearer policies on when and how video consultations should be used
✅ Better digital access for patients who struggle with technology
Without these improvements, video consultations will likely remain a temporary solution rather than a lasting part of community healthcare.
Have you noticed this shift in virtual care? What would make video consultations more useful in the long run? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Virtual Health Hub 