Virtual consultations for provision of care to people with chronic diseases/Consulta virtual para la atención a las enfermedades crónicas

• Published in: International journal of integrated care Vol. 12; no. 3
• Main Authors: Pérez Cánovas, M.E., Llorente Gómez de Segura, I., Marrero Díaz, M.D., Fuentes Galindo, M.I., Cueto Serrano, M., Viñas Pérez, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paterna Ubiquity Press 25-05-2012
• Subjects: administración de los servicios de salud; Collaboration; continuidad de la atención al paciente; continuity of care; Diaries; Endocrinology; healthcare organisation; Hospitals; interprofessional relationships; Islands; Medical records; Patients; Primary care; relaciones interprofesionales; Canary Islands; Spain; Tenerife
• DOI: 10.5334/ijic.874
• EISSN: 1568-4156

The health region of Tenerife is composed of a primary care unit (primary care administration) and two specialised care units, one based in each of the university hospitals on the island, the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) and Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital (HUNSC). The referral Endocrinology Unit for the centre and south of the Island (catchment of the HUNSC) carried out a detailed study of its provision of care through primary care and the characteristics of the consultations carried out. There are three possible courses of action: they can address the GP´s request by providing advice on patient treatment or management, request additional information to complete their assessment, or make an appointment with a specialist in an outpatient centre or hospital departmentfor the patient’s condition to be assessed (the endocrinology unit contacts the patient to inform them about the appointment). Currently, all GP consultations with the Endocrinology Unit are carried out virtually. [...]the initiative is being extended to other specialities and health regions in the catchment area of the other hospital (HUC).