A rapid review of the effectiveness of remote consultations versus face-to-face consultations in secondary care surgical outpatient settings

The use of remote consultations and telemedicine approaches significantly increased over the pandemic. There is evidence that some patients still prefer this mode of care delivery and time saving may also enable additional consultations and help to reduce waiting lists. However, the effectiveness of remote consulting for certain specialities, such as surgery, is unclear. 

The aim of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of video or telephone consultations, particularly focusing on clinical, patient reported and safety outcomes, in adult secondary surgical outpatient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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