Acceptability of a Pilot Digital Longitudinal Consultation Clinical Placement for Early‐Year Medical Students, Tutors and Patients

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of remote consultations and the use of electronic health records necessitate their meaningful integration into medical education. Remote consultations may offer medical students valuable opportunities for longitudinal patient interactions that complement traditional clinical learning. In this regard, the University of Aberdeen piloted the Digital Consultation Clinical Placement (DCCP), which aimed to equip early-year medical students with essential skills in carrying out remote consultations, conducting follow-up consultations and practising medical documentation. This study aimed to evaluate the DCCP's acceptability and explore its associated challenges and opportunities. METHODS: Acceptability of this novel placement was evaluated using questionnaires grounded in the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). Questionnaire data from 15 students, 4 tutors and 14 patient volunteers were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative focus groups underwent thematic analysis to generate understanding of the challenges and opportunities of this innovative placement. RESULTS: At least 50% of stakeholders selected agree or strongly agree in the questionnaire responses across all TFA categories. Qualitative findings suggest that remote consultations could help achieve the benefits of longitudinal patient contact, and exposure to authentic digital healthcare technology could impact students' professional identity. CONCLUSION: The DCCP was acceptable across all stakeholder groups, with a shared belief that it successfully achieved its intended purpose but with challenges and perceived opportunities for stakeholders, which should be considered in future placements. With further refinement, early exposure to this placement may support the development of patient-centred care skills and better prepare students for technology-enabled healthcare practice.