The Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) has launched a campaign encouraging patients to move away from the belief that they have to see a GP for every problem.
‘Right Care First Time’ aims to cut pressure on practices as demand exceeds capacity and patients face delays in access, which, the IGPM has said is leading to a rise in levels of staff abuse.
In its campaign video released last week, the IGPM explains the benefits of utilising the experience of the full primary care team, including general practice nurses (GPNs).
For example, the video depicts someone telephoning a surgery and asking to see a GP regarding their struggle to control their diabetes.
However, instead of booking a GP appointment, the receptionist directs them to see the practice nurse.
In contrast, someone who has found a lump on their breast is booked in to see the GP by the receptionist.
The video also explains that ‘general practice is in crisis’ and that staff are adapting to help ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
Robyn Clark, a managing partner in South Gloucestershire and director of the IGPM, commented: ‘More and more patients are needing ongoing treatment in the community but there are also new patients coming in with minor illnesses or ailments that also need seeing.
‘By employing a multiskilled team, practices are able to help improve access for these other issues but keep GPs free to see patients that only they can see, which also helps maintain continuity for ongoing problems.’
A version of this article first appeared on our sister title Management in Practice
