Telephone consultations in secondary care

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the role of telephone consultations in respiratory medicine.DesignAn observational study.SettingRespiratory outpatients department in an inner London teaching hospital.ParticipantsFive-hundred sequential patients attending three different outpatient respiratory clinics.InterventionSubstitution of the next intended consultation with a telephone consultation.Outcome measuresProportion of patients suitable for telephone consultation, their availability when telephoned, length of consultation and patient satisfaction.ConclusionsTelephone consultations are an effective alternative to traditional consultations in a third of respiratory patients attending for hospital follow-up. This style of consultation allows the option of not attending the hospital for a consultation and 23.9% had their consultation at their place of work.