Digital access and isolation report

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Bury wanted to find out how the move to remote care during the Covid-19 pandemic had affected people across Burry.  They spoke to 243 Bury Borough residents about the rapid changes to online and telephone support and services for those both with and without digital access.

Over nine in ten respondents stated they do have access to an internet connection.  Nearly three in five of those who use internet stated they go online at home and 25% access internet on their smartphone.

Over three quarters stated ‘I have access to the internet and am happy and confident using it’.  Three in five had used online platforms (e.g. e-consult or Ask My GP) to access health and social care services in the last 18 months.

Over a third found the virtual services very good and easy to use whereas 31% stated they had found services online not satisfactory or very difficult to access.

A minority of patients stated they don’t feel comfortable with sharing their concerns online and prefer face to face appointments.

Accessibility issues like hearing impairment, visual impairment and language were all highlighted as potential barriers for patients accessing services online.

The report contains 6 recommendations.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Bury
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Remote appointments and digital services
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Survey
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
General Practice (GP)
General outpatients and hospital-based consultants

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
243
Age group
Not known
Gender
Not known
Is the gender identity of people in the report the same as the sex they were assigned at birth?
Not known
Sexual orientation
Not known
Does this report feature carers?
Yes
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