Menu
14/10/2009
BMA "Concerned" On Scorecard System
Although doctors support patients having access to the best possible data about their practice, the BMA today said it remained concerned that patients will not get an accurate picture of practice quality from this new initiative.
The government announced in December 2008 that patients in England would be able to leave feedback about their GP practice on the NHS Choices website.
While much effort has been made to take account of family doctors' concerns about the new online GP practice rating system, the BMA believes rating a GP practice online is not the best way to deliver patient feedback. However, we have been working with the Department of Health to try to ensure the system is as fair as possible and that it will not be open to abuse.
Commenting on the launch of the GP 'scorecard' Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee, said: "GPs have been getting feedback, through inviting comments from patients, and via surveys or patient participation groups for years, and we always welcome any scheme which supports constructive criticism and feedback. We are pleased that many of our initial concerns, such as the potential for malicious postings or the ability to post a right of reply, have been allayed. However, we remain to be convinced how much real value this will have for patients.
"Such feedback will always be from a self-selected population motivated to post feedback. Unless a significant number of comments are generated - good or bad - it will be impossible to build up a reliable and accurate picture of the practice and its quality." He added that the GP's highest users, the elderly and the long-term sick, who are arguably in the best position to give useful feedback to other patients, are the least likely to post comments, as research shows they have the lowest rate of accessibility to the internet.
The Chairman continued: "We believe other forms of patient feedback, such as surveys or patient participation groups are the best way for practices to get feedback and for patients to make a difference to the way their services are delivered.
"We would encourage every practice to set up such a group if they don’t have one already. Given the financial constraints the NHS is under we think this is the best way to ensure general practice is as responsive to patients' needs as it can be."
(GK/KMcA)
The government announced in December 2008 that patients in England would be able to leave feedback about their GP practice on the NHS Choices website.
While much effort has been made to take account of family doctors' concerns about the new online GP practice rating system, the BMA believes rating a GP practice online is not the best way to deliver patient feedback. However, we have been working with the Department of Health to try to ensure the system is as fair as possible and that it will not be open to abuse.
Commenting on the launch of the GP 'scorecard' Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee, said: "GPs have been getting feedback, through inviting comments from patients, and via surveys or patient participation groups for years, and we always welcome any scheme which supports constructive criticism and feedback. We are pleased that many of our initial concerns, such as the potential for malicious postings or the ability to post a right of reply, have been allayed. However, we remain to be convinced how much real value this will have for patients.
"Such feedback will always be from a self-selected population motivated to post feedback. Unless a significant number of comments are generated - good or bad - it will be impossible to build up a reliable and accurate picture of the practice and its quality." He added that the GP's highest users, the elderly and the long-term sick, who are arguably in the best position to give useful feedback to other patients, are the least likely to post comments, as research shows they have the lowest rate of accessibility to the internet.
The Chairman continued: "We believe other forms of patient feedback, such as surveys or patient participation groups are the best way for practices to get feedback and for patients to make a difference to the way their services are delivered.
"We would encourage every practice to set up such a group if they don’t have one already. Given the financial constraints the NHS is under we think this is the best way to ensure general practice is as responsive to patients' needs as it can be."
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
05 January 2009
Patients To Have Say On Improving GP Services
More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Government today. Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.
Patients To Have Say On Improving GP Services
More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Government today. Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.
02 November 2011
Govt Agrees Deal On GP Contract
The UK's Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today welcomed the agreement between the Government and British Medical Association (BMA) over changes to the GP contract for next year. The deal will mean that patients will get more choice over which GP treats their family and will improve the quality of care of patients.
Govt Agrees Deal On GP Contract
The UK's Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today welcomed the agreement between the Government and British Medical Association (BMA) over changes to the GP contract for next year. The deal will mean that patients will get more choice over which GP treats their family and will improve the quality of care of patients.
24 August 2004
Missed appointments cost NHS £162m a year: survey
Missed appointments are costing the NHS throughout the UK over £162 million a year as more than 911,000 GP consultation slots and over 264,000 practice nurse appointments are wasted every year because patients fail to turn up, a survey has revealed.
Missed appointments cost NHS £162m a year: survey
Missed appointments are costing the NHS throughout the UK over £162 million a year as more than 911,000 GP consultation slots and over 264,000 practice nurse appointments are wasted every year because patients fail to turn up, a survey has revealed.
27 November 2006
Patients to get say on GP services
Five million patients are to get the chance to have their say on GP services, as the biggest ever survey on NHS services was launched by the government. The GP Patient Survey will ask patients about their experiences of flexible booking, telephone access and opening hours.
Patients to get say on GP services
Five million patients are to get the chance to have their say on GP services, as the biggest ever survey on NHS services was launched by the government. The GP Patient Survey will ask patients about their experiences of flexible booking, telephone access and opening hours.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
