Healthcare Professionals’ perspectives on using video consultations for type 1-diabetes patients treated with insulin pumps in the outpatient clinic

Background and Aims
The Hospital of Southern Denmark has three diabetes mellitus (DM) outpatient clinics located in three of the four municipalities in the catchment area. However, all adult insulin pump patients attend the Department of Endocrinology in Sønderborg resulting in longer traveling times and more inconvenience for some patients. Hence, the hospital aims to conduct more outpatient clinic
video consultations.
The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on video consultations for type 1 diabetes patients treated with insulin pumps in the outpatient clinic.
Methods
A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews was employed. Healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of type 1 diabetes patients with insulin pumps were included. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
Three doctors, three nurses and three clinical dietitians were interviewed. Preliminary results are grouped into three themes. 1) Flexibility with responsibility includes; less transportation time, flexible consultation plans and patients playing an active role in their treatment. 2) Pros and cons of video includes; benefits and limitations of video, video vs. phone and when to meet in person. 3) Variations in professionals’ perspectives includes; varying degrees of interest in preforming video consultations reflected in professional roles, tasks and thereto-perceived possibilities for conducting consultations by video.
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals were generally positive about using video and its benefits. Doctors were more sceptical than nurses and dieticians. It is uncertain as to why one group of professionals displayed differences in their perspectives on the use of video consultations. Studies are ongoing