Space, time, and presence in video consultations: an interview study in Danish general practice

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• General Practice
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Video consultations are increasingly used in general practice.
• Understanding patient and GP experiences is vital for optimizing telemedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient and general practitioner (GP) experiences of space, time, and presence in video consultations.
• To analyze how these elements influence the therapeutic relationship in Danish general practice.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with six GPs and seven patients in Copenhagen.
• Analysis of recorded video consultations using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
• Theoretical framework inspired by K.E. Løgstrup's philosophy on presence, space, and time.

Main Results:

• Both patients and GPs reported altered presence and sensory connection in video consultations compared to face-to-face interactions.
• Patients felt more secure at home, while GPs noted some patients were more relaxed.
• Consultations were perceived as more superficial yet efficient, with participants saving time.

Conclusions:

• Video consultations change the balance of space and time, leading to a different experience of presence due to altered spatiality and reduced sensory input.
• This shift encourages efficiency by eliminating non-essential elements.
• While video consultations offer benefits, the importance of physical consultations for a comprehensive experience of presence and time is highlighted.