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Digital Virtual Consultations and Improved Stakeholders’ Health and Wellbeing amongst Hospital Doctors

Author

Listed:
  • Dorothy Zammit

    (Department of Health Systems Management & Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Gianpaolo Tomaselli

    (Department of Health Systems Management & Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Sandra C. Buttigieg

    (Department of Health Systems Management & Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Lalit Garg

    (Department of Computer Information Systems, Faculty of Information & Communication Technology, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Gloria Macassa

    (Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

Abstract

The past several decades have seen a shift in patient care towards digitalisation, which has ushered in a new era of health care delivery and improved sustainability and resilience of health systems, with positive impacts on both internal and external stakeholders. This study’s aim was to understand the role of digital virtual consultations in improving internal and external stakeholders’ health, as well as wellbeing among hospital doctors. A qualitative research approach was used with semi-structured online interviews administered to hospital doctors. The interviews showed that the doctors viewed digital virtual consultations as supplementary to in-person consultations, and as tools to reduce obstacles related to distance and time. If the necessary infrastructure and technology were in place, doctors would be willing to use these options. Implementing these technologies would improve the medical profession’s flexibility on the one hand; but it might affect doctors’ work–life balance if consultations extended beyond standard working hours.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorothy Zammit & Gianpaolo Tomaselli & Sandra C. Buttigieg & Lalit Garg & Gloria Macassa, 2023. "Digital Virtual Consultations and Improved Stakeholders’ Health and Wellbeing amongst Hospital Doctors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4428-:d:1085096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diana Jiménez-Rodríguez & Azucena Santillán García & Jesús Montoro Robles & María del Mar Rodríguez Salvador & Francisco José Muñoz Ronda & Oscar Arrogante, 2020. "Increase in Video Consultations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions about Their Implementation and Adequate Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Julie Cowie & Eileen Calveley & Gillian Bowers & John Bowers, 2018. "Evaluation of a Digital Consultation and Self-Care Advice Tool in Primary Care: A Multi-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-23, May.
    3. Marisa Faggini & Silvia Cosimato & Francesco David Nota & Giancarlo Nota, 2018. "Pursuing Sustainability for Healthcare through Digital Platforms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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