Teleconsultation in geriatrics: impact of professional practice
Abstract
Teleconsultations in medicine are encouraged by authorities and decision-makers to improve access to specialty services for isolated patients. For elderly patients in geriatric hospitals, they thus avoid trips to consult with specialists. However, teleconsultation can modify clinical practice and it may be abandoned for reasons not related to technical issues. Qualitative research on the impact of teleconsultation on medical practice and organisation are thus crucial for an understanding of the changes it can generate.