GPs in England have expressed serious concerns over patient safety following recent changes to online consultation protocols. Since October 1, general practices are required to keep an online consultation platform open during working hours for non-urgent issues. These forms, however, have seen patients report potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Concerns Over Non-Urgent Forms
Family doctors reported alarming instances where patients submitted requests via non-urgent forms for severe conditions. These include cases of difficulty breathing, rectal bleeding, and severe vomiting. The online platform is intended for appointment requests and administrative matters, but its misuse has raised significant safety issues among GPs.
Poll Results Highlighting Safety Worries
A survey conducted by Pulse, involving 431 GPs and practice managers, revealed that 67% of respondents are apprehensive about patient safety since the introduction of this change. Many doctors are overwhelmed with the volume of cases requiring immediate attention.
- Dr. Caroline Delves from Norfolk noted that serious symptoms have been reported through forms meant for non-emergencies.
- One patient indicated he could not breathe but submitted his case as non-urgent, risking delays in care.
- Another patient reported vomiting blood after using an administrative form to update their address.
Increased Workload and Stress for GPs
In the West Midlands, a GP reported a staggering workload. They are performing between 200 to 400 medical triages every day, leading to exhaustion and unsafe working conditions. GPs are prioritizing urgent cases, but the sheer volume of online requests is overwhelming.
Staffing and Resource Issues
The British Medical Association (BMA) has raised concerns about the lack of safeguards accompanying the new online access changes. The union argues that the absence of additional staff to handle the influx of requests could endanger patient safety. They emphasize that identifying urgent cases has become increasingly difficult.
Statements from Medical Leaders
Dr. David Wrigley, deputy chair of the BMA’s General Practice Committee, pointed out that this situation was predictable. He criticized the government for not implementing necessary safety measures. According to him, the unlimited online requests, without sufficient resources, threaten patient safety and undermine the quality of care.
Conversely, Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, defended the changes. She stated that patient satisfaction has improved in practices that already offer online consultation services. There have been assurances that necessary support and guidance will be provided to manage urgent clinical requests more effectively.
As this situation develops, GPs continue to call for more robust safety measures to protect both patients and healthcare workers. The balance of leveraging technology while ensuring patient safety remains a pressing concern in primary care settings across England.
