Professor Maureen Baker, Chair of the RCGP, said: “At a time when patients in some areas of the country are having to wait for nearly a month to see their GP - due to rocketing demand and not enough GPs to keep pace – this report is a dose of common sense.
“The guidance shows there are many minor ailments and conditions that can be treated quickly and effectively without needing to see a GP, meaning that family doctors can dedicate their valuable time to those patients who really need our expert skills.
“As well as demonstrating to patients why going to the GP isn’t always the best course of action, it should also reduce the pressure on GPs to prescribe medications such as antibiotics which might not be needed.
“Overdiagnosis and overtreatment is harmful to patients. In 2013, the RCGP set up an Overdiagnosis group of GPs and patient group representatives to challenge problems facing general practice - such as random screening of the population for very specific diseases - and it now has over 150 active members.
“Today’s report reinforces the importance of this work and we hope it will be a major step forward in easing the pressures on GP time so that NHS resources are always directed where they can deliver the most benefit for our patients.”
RCGP
No comments:
Post a Comment