Many patients have found remote general practice consultations more convenient and easier than face to face meetings, according to a new study.

Some patients have found themselves “empowered” to express themselves more clearly than they would in person, according to a University of Surrey study.

Researchers from the University of Surrey, UK, collated previous findings in 24 published papers, looking at the advantages and issues experienced by patients and physicians using remote consultations in primary care.

Their analysis, published in *BJGP Open*, found that remote consultations are seen as more convenient than face-to-face consultations, but “result in the loss of valuable non-verbal communication, and are not accessible to all”.

“Patients and primary care physicians are generally satisfied with remote consultations,” the authors write, “and believe them to be preferable for specific appointments, such as follow-up of a previous face-to-face appointment.”

However, they add that there are “situations where remote consultations should not be used, such as where the patient is presenting to the GP for the first time”.

They state: “The results of this study can be used to inform the future delivery of remote consultations in primary care, in a post-COVID-19 world.”

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 30% of GP appointments were face-to-face versus 70% remote.

Senior author Dr Robert Kerrison said: “The pandemic has shown that ways of receiving care that previously seemed impossible are actually possible, and in some cases, preferable to patients.

“Our research shows that remote consultations have advantages, particularly in terms of access and convenience for the majority of patients. Our research also shows that remote consultations have disadvantages, such as exacerbating clinical decision making for new symptoms/conditions.

“The pandemic has shown us that high-quality care can be delivered remotely, and many practices now have the appropriate means to do so effectively.”