One in four GP appointments potentially avoidable

A new report argues that 27% of GP appointments could be avoided if there was more coordinated working between GPs and hospitals, wider use of other primary care staff, better use of technology to streamline administrative burdens and wider system changes.

The study by NHS Alliance and the Primary Care Foundation was commissioned as part of the work NHS England is doing with its partners to implement the NHS Five Year Forward View, and expand and strengthen GP services and primary care across England. The report was overseen by a steering group including the Royal College of GPs and the BMA GPs’ committee.