Zoom and its discontents: group decision making in pediatric cardiology in the time of COVID (and beyond)

Danton, M. H.D. and Bushnell, I. (2023) Zoom and its discontents: group decision making in pediatric cardiology in the time of COVID (and beyond). Journal of Medical Systems, 47(1), 59. (doi: 10.1007/s10916-023-01944-1)

Abstract

The emergence of Covid-19 has led to change within hospital-based healthcare. An example, has been to reconfigure clinical decision making meetings from traditional in-person (Face-to-face, FtF) to online video-conferencing (VC) format inorder to decrease contagion risk. Despite its widespread uptake, there is minimal empirical data evaluating this format. This narrative review considers the implications on medical decision-making when clinicians communicate remotely via Microsoft Teams. The discussion is informed by the psychological literature and by commentary obtained from a survey of paediatric cardiac clinicians who participated in clinical meetings when video-conferencing was first introduced. Whist video-conferencing can optimize clinician presence, this is potentially offset by compromises in current imaging quality, the group discussion, information sharing and decision quality. Implementing a shift from face-to-face to VC within the group decision-making process requires an appreciation of the changed environment, appropriate adaptations and the implemention of new technology solutions. Meanwhile, healthcare should carefully consider the potential implications of clinical decision making using online video conferencing, be prepared to adapt and evaluate prior to a shift away from face-to-face formats.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Danton, Mr Mark and Bushnell, Dr Ian
• Authors: Danton, M. H.D., and Bushnell, I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Journal of Medical Systems
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0148-5598
• ISSN (Online): 1573-689X
• Published Online: 05 May 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Medical Systems 47(1): 59
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License