An investigation into the digitalisation of New Zealand general practice services during COVID-19

Abstract

aim: This study investigates the digital transition initiated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors that enabled the digitalisation of general practices (GPs) in New Zealand. method: Using a multiple case study design, we conducted 86 in-depth interviews with staff from 16 GP centres in New Zealand. results:The critical enablers of digital transition in response to the pandemic were support from the community, agility and adaptability of GP medical centres and the ability to pragmatically create external operational processes to ensure business continuity and to meet patient expectations. Major barriers to digitalisation at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (28 February to 30 August 2020) included lack of organisational leadership, financial support availability, systems management collaboration, and patient and staff knowledge and preferences. Digitalisation was characterised by the GP centre's ability to provide telehealth services using existing systems and technology, embracing e-prescription, e-referrals, e-lab and video-only consults.