GP surgeries are delivering more consultations than ever before, with approximately 367.5 million in 2024, up from 312.1 million in 2019.
But ‘persistent tinkering’ to booking systems is confusing and frustrating for patients and causes significant work for GP staff.
The tinkering is, however, a necessary response to continually adapt the top-down systems to keep them working.
This is compounded by blanket nationwide policies that do not consider local needs.
The study involved in depth research in eight GP practices in different demographic areas and geographic locations across England.
Study co-lead Helen Atherton, Professor of Primary Care Research at the University of Southampton, said: “General practices are constantly tinkering and amending their access systems to try to make them work for their patients. They should be supported to do that.”
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences website.