Description
This transcript is from a virtual meeting where Chris Moran introduces a segment on elective orthopedic care, led by Nick Aresti, a consultant surgeon. Chris begins by acknowledging a previous summary and transitions quickly to Nick, who discusses the reduced number of ideas in elective care compared to emergency care due to many professionals not engaging in elective work. Nick presents 18 ideas largely revolving around the theme of virtual clinics and meetings, highlighting a significant reliance on established technologies like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for consultations.
He notes a stark increase in virtual consultations, with a national statistic showing 50% to 80% of consultations occurring remotely. A common concern addressed is the difficulty in convincing both patients and trusts to adapt to virtual appointments, as many patients expect in-person assessments. Nick emphasizes the ongoing need for technological support, indicating delays in procuring necessary equipment for effective virtual communication.
Looking ahead, Nick discusses the potential shift to a 'virtual by default' policy for appointments, while stressing the importance of adapting this strategy to specific surgical specialties. He concludes with innovative suggestions about utilizing basic technology for shoulder assessments during virtual visits, encapsulating the overall themes discussed about enhancing virtual care in orthopedic settings. Chris then thanks Nick for his insights and attempts to transition the meeting to the next speaker, David Cummings.