Piloting an In Situ Training Program in Video Consultations in a Gynaecological Outpatient Clinic at a University Hospital: A Qualitative Study of the Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives.

The successful integration of video consultations in routine hospital care requires further research. This study explores how healthcare professionals experienced and engaged with a pilot training program in video consultations (VCs), focusing on patient-centred communication and technical skills. A qualitative study was conducted at a gynaecological outpatient clinic in a Danish university hospital. In October 2022, healthcare professionals (n = 8) piloted a training program in VCs with patients suffering from gynaecological disorders, followed by semi-structured interviews. Our data analysis was inductive and inspired by thematic analysis, as proposed by Braun and Clarke. Our analysis resulted in an overall theme, namely feasible, with context-dependent considerations, and followed by four other themes:, namely that (1) pre in situ training presents benefits and challenges, (2) consultation via video can be an advantage to consultations via phone or in-clinic, (3) individual planning and organising is a must, and (4) video consultation calls for new competencies. Our study indicates that a training program focusing on patient-centred communication, technical skills and in situ training with peer feedback is relevant when implementing VCs. Visual contact was an advantage of VC versus phone; however, patient triage was identified as essential when planning VCs. Overall, VCs are feasible in a gynaecological outpatient setting when their implementation is supported by an in situ training program and with ongoing technical support available.