How this fits in

Primary care consultations in the UK have shifted towards remote methods as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study explores the experiences of and attitudes towards remote consultation through thematic analysis of interviews with people living with dementia and their carers. COVID-19-related check-up calls were found reassuring, albeit somewhat lacking in practical recommendations. Avoidance of healthcare services for numerous reasons was reported, including COVID-19 risk as well as relieving the strain on the NHS. When individuals did have remote consultations, however, these were mostly by telephone and commonly managed by the carer. Primary care professionals engaging with people living with dementia and their carers may need to make extra effort to ensure the efficacy of remote healthcare consultations with patients living with dementia and their carers.