The seven advantages of delivering follow-up consultations over the phone - Consultant Connect

The ambition of the NHS Long Term Plan, to reduce face-to-face appointments by a third, is a massive challenge. One of the main methods for achieving it is going to be delivering thousands of follow-up appointments through different channels. Video is one option, but phone is likely to be a far better choice due to its simplicity and familiarity with clinicians and patients.

You can now deliver follow up patient consultations over the phone using Consultant Connect. It’s as straightforward as you would expect and can be accessed via the Consultant Connect App or a Dial-In Number from a landline. The calling clinician simply inputs the patient’s NHS number and their phone number (mobile or landline), the call is then connected.

At the end of the call, the clinician records an outcome – “patient discharged”, “further follow up required” or, if the patient did not answer their phone and the clinician’s left a message, “call missed – message left.”

All calls are recorded and tracked using our award-winning service. Clinicians can access call recordings and PID, commissioners and administrators are able to access reports, including the outcome of calls, with all PID stripped out.

Using Consultant Connect for phone consultations has the following advantages:

1. Patients don't need to come to hospital!
2. Patients only need to answer their phone, no need for them to login to any service or any special technology.
3. No training or new software required - just open the app or use a landline.
4. Consultations can be delivered from anywhere there is a phone, enabling colleagues to work flexibly.
5. Track activity and outcomes by specialty and across your organisation.
6. Call recordings provide medico-legal protection and can be used for training.
7. Low cost flat-fee covers all users from your organisation.

There is no doubt that this is the simplest, most effective way of delivering follow-up consultations where the clinician does not need to see the patient. It is also the easiest first step on the path to delivering the Long Term Plan.

Please call us on 01865 261467 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to discuss phone follow-ups in your area.

Content provided by Consultant Connect. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.consultantconnect.org.uk.