Using Digital Technology in Primary Care Services

Report - 10 March 2021

This report looks at the patient experience of using digital technology in primary care services in Sandwell. In 2019 Sandwell ranked as the 12th most deprived local authority area nationally for indices of multiple deprivations.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant sudden adjustments within GP Practice services, including to address patient and staff safety face-to-face services became the last, rather than the first option. Individuals and organisations have had to adjust rapidly to using digital technology and remote services. Healthwatch Sandwell wanted to find out how well patients had adjusted to the changes in primary care services and what challenges may have arisen. Healthwatch Sandwell found that patients have been willing to try to adjust and use digital technology in accessing services. Overall patients have been happy or satisfied with the services they have received within primary care. Many have adjusted well to using digital technology and state some benefits.

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