Would you consider having a GP consultation via webcam?

Almost a fifth of patients (18%) would be happy to have a GP consultation via a webcam on their phone or computer in any circumstances, a survey has found.

Willingness to have a “virtual consultation” is highest among older people, the survey of 2,000 people suggests. While just 7% of under 25s would be happy to have a webcam conversation with their GP, 22% of the over 55s would be prepared to do so, and most people would not rule out a consultation via webcam, the survey for Astellas found.

Commenting on the survey findings, the doctor and broadcaster, Dr Kevin Fong, said:

“The digital revolution has changed the way we think about most forms of human interaction, including our relationship with our doctors. It seems that people are more willing to embrace new ways of accessing health services than the medical profession sometimes assumes.  

“What’s particularly interesting about the Astellas Innovation Debate research is that we tend to think of younger people as the most digitally literate, but it’s the over-55s who are most willing to interact with their doctors via webcam.”

What are your views?  Would you find it acceptable to access your GP via a webcam?  Would you find this more convenient, or would you prefer to go to the surgery for an actual face to face appointment.