Validating a framework to guide the implementation of high-quality virtual primary care: an international eDelphi...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Primary Care Medicine
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Growing need for safe and high-quality virtual consultations in primary care.
• Previous qualitative research identified benefits and challenges of virtual consultations among 1600 physicians across 20 countries.
• A prototype framework for implementing high-quality virtual primary care has been developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore general practitioners' perspectives on the appropriateness and relevance of the framework's prototype components.
• To refine the framework prototype for optimal practical use in primary care facilities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic and iterative online Delphi research approach (eDelphi) with a minimum of three rounds.
• Recruitment of primary care physicians with active virtual care experience via convenience and snowball sampling.
• Structured online questionnaires for data collection, with consensus defined as >70% agreement/disagreement.

Main Results:

• A pre-round will gather initial feedback for item adjustment.
• Subsequent rounds will involve participants rating the relevance of framework components.
• The primary outcome is a list of essential components for the final framework version.

Conclusions:

• The study aims to produce a refined, evidence-based framework for virtual primary care implementation.
• Findings will optimize the practical utility of virtual consultations in primary care settings.
• The finalized framework will support primary care organizations in delivering safe and effective virtual services.