East Lancashire Therapies Directorate use of video consultation and text messaging software to maintain service delivery

A wide variety of services within the Therapies and Orthotics Directorate have been able to continue to deliver a service to priority pathways due to the provision of video consultation and text messaging software. 

The AccuRx system was introduced for all services who use EMIS, and links into the patient's electronic record. It is efficient for staff to use, as well as being intuitive which means that all staff have been able to use the system in one form or other despite differing levels of digital literacy.

The services who are currently using this system include SLT, neuro rehabilitation, stroke therapy, community therapies (OT and Physio), Paediatric Physiotherapy, Dietetics, and Hand therapy. 

We are evaluating the system using a variety of qualitative and quantitative measures. We have a growing number of users, as well as an increasing number of successful consultations. We have been collating staff feedback over a number of weeks, and this is broadly positive.  We are also gathering patient feedback on an ad-hoc basis - again mainly positive - but we are currently developing patient experience surveys specific to remote consultations for more in-depth analysis.

We regularly share good practice across users and this is helping us to develop our use of the system over time. Case examples are shared via a service newsletter - both of successful and unsuccessful consultations, so we can all learn and develop together. 

We have developed resources for both staff and patients to help support preparation for video consultations.