Respiratory outpatient clinics during and post COVID-19: the use of patient satisfaction and preference data to redesign service delivery

We used a survey to evaluate patient satisfaction with a remote system for the delivery of respiratory clinics and to capture future preferences. 98% of responders were satisfied with their current appointment being held remotely in order to reduce the risks from COVID-19. Regarding future preferences beyond the pandemic, 41% of respondents preferred a face-to-face appointment, 35% preferred a remote appointment and 24% had no preference of one modality over another. Additional qualitative data suggest that a flexible system allowing patients to choose the mode of attendance shortly before the appointment would be welcomed.