GP Services Hot Topic Survey
Following conversations with GPs from the Place-Based Partnership and the Local Medical Committee, we aimed to gain a clearer understanding of people's experiences with GP services. To do this, we conducted a mixed-methods survey across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data to better understand what was working well for patients.
About the report
The GP Services Hot Topic Report explores the experiences of patients across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to better understand areas that were working well, and areas that require improvement. It highlights key findings such as accessibility, services patients sought before contacting their GP, whether patients had their needs met, and specific elements that were particularly effective. In response, it offers recommendations to address areas of concern, improving the experiences patients have with their GPs.
Key Findings:
- Engagement: 97% of patients had contacted their GP Practice in the last 12 months
- Appointments: 67.7% of patients contacted their GP practice to make an appointment with a Healthcare professional
- Telephone: 71.4% of patients contacted their GP practice by telephone
- Outcomes: 68.4% of patients got what they wanted from the most recent contact with the GP practice
- Exclusivity: 82.5% of patients did not contact any other service prior to contacting their GP practice
- The most commonly cited successful elements across surgeries were:
- Quick response
- Online triage, consultations & booking system
- Appointment availability
- Prescription services
Recommendations
- Reducing phone line pressure: Reducing pressure on phone lines, especially at peak times, can be supported through recruiting more staff, and using appropriate telephone waiting systems.
- Online booking: We recommend having online access to enable appointment booking and making patients aware of this option.
- Telephone availability: Enabling patients to ring at any time of the day can enable more accessible appointment booking.
- Advanced booking: Allowing patients to book appointments in advance can ease patient experience.
- Alternative healthcare providers: Increasing public awareness of the range of healthcare professionals working in GP practices can free up appointments with GPs.
- Choice in appointment: Giving patients the choice between face-to-face and online/telephone appointments can facilitate patients getting their needs met.
Sharing information: With there being GP practices with effective appointment booking systems, we recommend managers sharing approaches that have worked for them.
Downloads
File download
If you need this document in an alternative format please contact [email protected] or call 0115 956 5313.
