How do you maximise acceptance of novel heath care technological solutions to diagnosing and managing health conditions such as virtual reality or non-invasive glucose monitors? A mixed methods study from GW4-Path

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2020 - cancelled due to pandemic

Talk Code:

N.6

Presenter:

Sabrina Grant

Twitter:

@DrSabrinaGrant

Co-authors:

Gemma Lasseter, Sarah Sauchelli, Heungjae Choi, Steffi Colyer, Sabrina Grant, Tim Pickles, Ben Sherlock, Alexandra Voinescu, and Jingjing Zhang

Author institutions:

University of Worcester, University of Bristol, Cardiff University, University of Exeter

Problem

An ageing population in the UK places economic burden on the National Health Service (NHS) and society in managing long term often multiple health conditions. Rapid technological innovation means advances in the applications of common (e.g. Apps) to novel (e.g. virtual reality) technologies targeted to help patients manage their own health are often introduced to market without fully considering the needs of the end-users. Health Education England outlines access and acceptance of these technologies by users is essential to accelerate successful uptake in clinical practice and the optimisation of the benefits they can provide. This is particularly relevant when new technologies can potentially add value to the care of the patient but are not routinely used in practice. This study aims to determine the prevalence and usage of Novel Healthcare Technologies (NHTs). More specifically:(i) Investigate public’s perceptions and attitudes towards the use of cutting-edge NHTs to inform the development and introduction of future technologies(ii) Gain insight into how novel approaches are being introduced in the NHS, particularly those involved in implementing NHTs across the primary and secondary care interface. (iii) Identify how health care professionals (HCPs) raise awareness to patients about the availability of the NHTs as tools to facilitate diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Approach

Sequential mixed methods study of two phases Phase 1 Semi structured interviews with primary/ secondary care HCPs with experience of using novel healthcare technologies. Interviews explored the process of implementation, from conception to delivery exploring issues around how NHTs are introduced to patients, barriers and challenges faced to implementation in the NHS.Phase 2 Questionnaire survey. National distribution of a case study-based questionnaire for completion by the general public. The design and content informed by findings from Phase 1 and consultation with public and patient involvement user groups. The questionnaire captures prevalence of use of NHTs, designed activities explore a range of healthcare technologies. The NHTs under consideration are currently being innovated by collaborators on this project.

Findings

12 interviews were conducted with HCPs. Key themes emerging and feedback from user groups informed the design and content of the questionnaire survey aimed to be distributed to approximately 1350 participants across representative regions of the UK Feb-March 2020. Full results from both phases will be reported.

Consequences

Before any novel healthcare technology is introduced to patients in primary or secondary care, it is essential to identify some of the key challenges and barriers to implementation in real practice. A combined approach of gathering insight from HCPs currently using innovative healthcare solutions to managing long term conditions in clinical practice with views and opinions from the general public can elucidate a shared learning about tailoring NHTs sensitive to the needs of the intended users.

Submitted by:

Sabrina Grant

Funding acknowledgement:

This GW4-Path (Perceptions and Attitudes of Technologies for Healthcare) project is funded by GW4 Crucible Seed Corn funding from the GW4 Alliance, (ref: Cru_19_2)