JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual consultations (VCs), including telephone and video consultations, are increasingly central to primary care. However, evaluation often prioritises patient satisfaction or technology over quality and safety. Existing frameworks incorporate limited input from general practitioners (GPs) and lack standardised quality and safety indicators.

Objective:

To explore GP perspectives on the relevance and usability of a tool to evaluate the quality and safety of VCs, informing the co-design and development of a practical, implementable solution for clinical practice.

Methods:

Three online focus groups (n=14 GPs) were conducted in June-2025. Participants were recruited via professional networks and social media using convenience and snowball sampling. Discussions were guided by a mock tool prototype and structured topic guide. Transcripts were analysed inductively after each focus group using reflexive thematic analysis by two independent researchers.

Results:

GPs considered the tool relevant and timely, particularly as a reflective and quality improvement resource for early-career clinicians. For usability, participants preferred a combination of Likert-scale and open-ended responses, emphasising local adaptability and integration into existing workflows to minimise burden. Suggestions for practical implementation included a web-based format linked to electronic health records and alignment with professional development or incentive schemes (e.g., Quality and Outcomes Framework).

Conclusions:

GPs supported a structured yet flexible VC evaluation tool that is user-centred, locally relevant, and embedded within routine practice. These findings provide a foundation for further co-design, usability testing, and real-world piloting to ensure safe and high-quality VCs in primary care.