Work

The power of personal care: the value of the patient–GP consultation

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic shift from face-to-face to remote consulting within general practice. There have been some important gains in terms of travelling for patients and flexible working for general practice teams. However, there have been losses too. Urgent GP cancer referrals were estimated to be at 42% in April 2020 compared with the year before.1 Digital-first approaches, now widespread, can paradoxically increase overall GP workload and a recent study warns of extra GP work by up to a third.2 Vigilance and open minds are needed. As we move forward and while preparing for a busy winter, it is timely to decide which changes should be kept and under what conditions. Research has illuminated the considerable value of the human side of general practice. Over 20 years ago we learned that longer consultations and the patient knowing the GP are significantly associated with enablement — an important outcome …

Source: British Journal of General Practice

DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x713717

Authors: Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Simon Gregory, Denis Pereira Gray

Institutions: Queen Mary University of London, Health Education England, Health Education North West, University of Exeter, Royal College of General Practitioners

Language: English

Topic: Primary Care and Health Outcomes

Subfield: Family Practice

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research