Group Consultations are an innovative and efficient way to consult patients, it facilitates patient centric care with an efficient Health care professional to patient number ratio. It allows one Nurse/ACP to consult multiple patients in either a face to face or virtual environment.
A study done by NHS England on Type 2 diabetic patients that attended group consultations showed, more effective outcomes for patients, supporting them take control of their own health, and an increase in reduction in HBA1cs. Attached is a link below.
NHS England » Introducing group consultations for adults with Type 2 diabetes
Patients have stated they find the group consultation model to be more engaging, and many prefer it.
NHS England's 2020/2021 people plan and 5-year plan, details the investment in people, not just the GPs and Nurses, to transform services for patients, more investment in digital frameworks, and investment in digital infrastructure.
COVID-19 has seen an acceleration in the needed for digital services, by supporting practices with setting up virtual group consultations we are both helping reduce the workload burden and exploring new and diverse ways of working with our patients.
More patients can be seen per hour in group consultations.
Patients Long term conditions will improve as they will be responding to the treatments/advice/session.
GPs will see less uncontrolled long term condition patients, fewer changes to medications.
Better outcomes for patients, study of initial practices showed a 10% reduction in HBA1C, better understanding of their condition.
Reduction in consultation times, for example 8-10 people can be consulted at the same time as 4 patients.
QOF targets will be easier to manage for a larger group of patients. For example, smoking status, ethnicity, weight, blood pressures.
With the goal of providing the patients with a better experience and health outcomes.
Here are some testimonials:
