GPFUQ #233 Can GPs still provide meaningful continuity of care?
GPs can manage their own workload better and more fairly if they have continuity of care in a personal list system. As an appraiser I visited many GPs in shared list practices who felt stressed because they had little control of their workload. My practice switched from a shared list to a personal list system many years ago. Before the switch any of the practices 14,000 patients who happened to consult me could became my ongoing personal responsibility. After the switch to personal lists, I had about 1400 personal patients. All the rest had their own GP who was responsible for their ongoing problems. Of my 1400 patients only about 100 needed significant extra care at any one time. Their timely access to care improved because of the trusted relationships in a personal list and a reduction of avoidable appointments with other staff in the practice.
In these times of low morale and increasing demand we need better ways to manage workload for the benefit of doctors. Personal lists with continuity of care are a low-cost, high-quality way to provide better access for patients to their trusted GPs, and bring forward a new and sustainable generation of family doctors who can enjoy the privilege of these caring relationships.
From https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2022-074584/rapid-responses
