Video consultations have been praised for making healthcare more efficient. Clinicians in my research shared how virtual appointments save travel time, allowing them to see more patients in a day. For busy healthcare services, this seems like a win. But is efficiency the same as quality care?
That’s the real question.
What Works Well?
For certain types of appointments, video consultations can be a great tool. Clinicians in my study noted several benefits:
✅ Saves Time – Less travel means clinicians can see more patients, and patients don’t have to take extra time off work or arrange transport.
✅ Quick Follow-Ups – Reviewing test results, checking medication side effects, or discussing treatment plans can often be done effectively over video.
✅ More Flexible Care – For patients who struggle to attend in-person appointments—due to mobility issues, work commitments, or childcare—video consultations can make access easier.
What’s Missing?
Despite these advantages, many clinicians also raised concerns. Convenience is one thing, but what about the quality of care?
⚠️ Physical Examinations Are Limited – Some symptoms require a hands-on approach. Feeling for swelling, checking reflexes, or listening to a patient’s breathing can’t be done over a screen.
⚠️ Missed Non-Verbal Cues – Body language, facial expressions, and small signs of discomfort often help guide a diagnosis. Video can make these cues harder to pick up.
⚠️ Technical Issues Can Disrupt Care – A poor connection, delayed audio, or a frozen screen can make communication frustrating and reduce the quality of the consultation.
The Balance Between Speed and Quality
Clinicians in my research highlighted a key issue: just because an appointment is faster doesn’t always mean it’s better. In cases where a physical exam is essential, a video consultation might not be enough. In other situations, video can be a useful option—but only if it’s reliable and fits the patient’s needs.
So, is virtual care efficient or just convenient? The answer depends on how and when it’s used. The challenge now is figuring out where video consultations add value and where they might be cutting corners.
What’s your experience? Have video consultations worked well for you, or have they fallen short?
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