|
|
This 45 minute course on improving accessibility to general practice seeks to explore potential barriers to primary healthcare. The GP role in population and planetary health is set out in the RCGP curriculum, and includes the ability to assess, monitor and address the needs of local population groups. This extends beyond disease demographics – accessibility needs will vary by broader population characteristics too. By knowing your patient group, and the use of population data resources, you can begin to identify what these characteristics are. This course looks at how GPs can identify this information, and outlines some of the most common aspects to think about. While solutions to these barriers to access will be bespoke to each practice, we offer suggestions to highlight potential challenges that patients face and steps that surgeries can take to reduce and overcome them. Case studies are used to illustrate successful practice, as well as reference to situations where there were serious consequences as a result of access difficulties. These are designed to inspire you and facilitate change, while also being mindful of potential adverse outcomes as a result of problematic access. The course is grounded in real-world general practice and acknowledges that there are challenges with resources, demanding contractual requirements, and that there is a balance between access and demand. The benefit of personalised care is touched upon, highlighting how continuity facilitates access as a result of knowing your patient and what they need, with a positive effect on outcomes. The GMS recommendation to RAG rate (red, amber, green) patients for continuity will prioritise patients according to their clinical needs, but accessibility needs are not always captured. By doing this course you will be taking steps to reduce inequalities in healthcare, learn how to understand your population’s needs better, and work towards achieving better quality of care and patient satisfaction. This course falls within the 'Equality, diversity and inclusion' curriculum field. Production, editorial, and distribution owned by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
|
