TY - JOUR T1 - Implementation of remote asthma consulting in general practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation using extended Normalisation Process Theory JF - BJGP Open JO - BJGP Open DO - 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0189 SP - BJGPO.2021.0189 AU - Jonathan Stewart AU - Noleen McCorry AU - Helen Reid AU - Nigel Hart AU - Frank Kee Y1 - 2022/01/26 UR - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2022/01/24/BJGPO.2021.0189.abstract N2 - Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid and reactive deployment of remote consulting in UK general practice. The delivery of acute and chronic asthma care has been affected. Extended Normalisation Process Theory (eNPT) provides a framework for evaluating the implementation of new complex interventions in routine practice, including examination of how context–intervention interactions affect implementation.Aim To explore the implementation of remote asthma consulting in UK general practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Design & setting Mixed-methods evaluation, which was informed by eNPT, in general practice in Northern Ireland.Method Data were collected from a range of healthcare professionals who provide asthma care using online questionnaires, interviews, and multidisciplinary focus groups. Analysis was informed by eNPT.Results Ten themes were identified to describe and explain the contribution of general practice staff to implementation of remote asthma consulting. Staff identified novel alternatives to in-person review. Having a practice champion to drive implementation forward, and engage other practice staff, was important. Patient, staff, and healthcare system-contextual factors influencing implementation were identified including access to, understanding of, and willingness to use the technology required for remote consulting.Conclusion The experiences of frontline healthcare professionals in this study indicate that remote asthma consulting has potential benefits in terms of access and effectiveness when implementation integrates seamlessly with face-to-face care for those who want or need it. Work is required at practice and healthcare system levels to realise this potential, and ensure implementation does not exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities. ER -