Menu
14/10/2009
BMA "Concerned" On Scorecard System
Although doctors support patients having access to the best possible data about their practice, the BMA today said it remained concerned that patients will not get an accurate picture of practice quality from this new initiative.
The government announced in December 2008 that patients in England would be able to leave feedback about their GP practice on the NHS Choices website.
While much effort has been made to take account of family doctors' concerns about the new online GP practice rating system, the BMA believes rating a GP practice online is not the best way to deliver patient feedback. However, we have been working with the Department of Health to try to ensure the system is as fair as possible and that it will not be open to abuse.
Commenting on the launch of the GP 'scorecard' Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee, said: "GPs have been getting feedback, through inviting comments from patients, and via surveys or patient participation groups for years, and we always welcome any scheme which supports constructive criticism and feedback. We are pleased that many of our initial concerns, such as the potential for malicious postings or the ability to post a right of reply, have been allayed. However, we remain to be convinced how much real value this will have for patients.
"Such feedback will always be from a self-selected population motivated to post feedback. Unless a significant number of comments are generated - good or bad - it will be impossible to build up a reliable and accurate picture of the practice and its quality." He added that the GP's highest users, the elderly and the long-term sick, who are arguably in the best position to give useful feedback to other patients, are the least likely to post comments, as research shows they have the lowest rate of accessibility to the internet.
The Chairman continued: "We believe other forms of patient feedback, such as surveys or patient participation groups are the best way for practices to get feedback and for patients to make a difference to the way their services are delivered.
"We would encourage every practice to set up such a group if they don’t have one already. Given the financial constraints the NHS is under we think this is the best way to ensure general practice is as responsive to patients' needs as it can be."
(GK/KMcA)
The government announced in December 2008 that patients in England would be able to leave feedback about their GP practice on the NHS Choices website.
While much effort has been made to take account of family doctors' concerns about the new online GP practice rating system, the BMA believes rating a GP practice online is not the best way to deliver patient feedback. However, we have been working with the Department of Health to try to ensure the system is as fair as possible and that it will not be open to abuse.
Commenting on the launch of the GP 'scorecard' Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee, said: "GPs have been getting feedback, through inviting comments from patients, and via surveys or patient participation groups for years, and we always welcome any scheme which supports constructive criticism and feedback. We are pleased that many of our initial concerns, such as the potential for malicious postings or the ability to post a right of reply, have been allayed. However, we remain to be convinced how much real value this will have for patients.
"Such feedback will always be from a self-selected population motivated to post feedback. Unless a significant number of comments are generated - good or bad - it will be impossible to build up a reliable and accurate picture of the practice and its quality." He added that the GP's highest users, the elderly and the long-term sick, who are arguably in the best position to give useful feedback to other patients, are the least likely to post comments, as research shows they have the lowest rate of accessibility to the internet.
The Chairman continued: "We believe other forms of patient feedback, such as surveys or patient participation groups are the best way for practices to get feedback and for patients to make a difference to the way their services are delivered.
"We would encourage every practice to set up such a group if they don’t have one already. Given the financial constraints the NHS is under we think this is the best way to ensure general practice is as responsive to patients' needs as it can be."
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
02 November 2011
Govt Agrees Deal On GP Contract
The UK's Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today welcomed the agreement between the Government and British Medical Association (BMA) over changes to the GP contract for next year. The deal will mean that patients will get more choice over which GP treats their family and will improve the quality of care of patients.
Govt Agrees Deal On GP Contract
The UK's Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today welcomed the agreement between the Government and British Medical Association (BMA) over changes to the GP contract for next year. The deal will mean that patients will get more choice over which GP treats their family and will improve the quality of care of patients.
24 August 2004
Missed appointments cost NHS £162m a year: survey
Missed appointments are costing the NHS throughout the UK over £162 million a year as more than 911,000 GP consultation slots and over 264,000 practice nurse appointments are wasted every year because patients fail to turn up, a survey has revealed.
Missed appointments cost NHS £162m a year: survey
Missed appointments are costing the NHS throughout the UK over £162 million a year as more than 911,000 GP consultation slots and over 264,000 practice nurse appointments are wasted every year because patients fail to turn up, a survey has revealed.
13 October 2003
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
19 September 2008
BMA Steps Up 'Support Your Surgery' Campaign
A top UK medical professionals' body is seeking further help from patients in its campaign to preserve the role of traditional doctors' surgeries. The BMA has today sent a new poster and leaflet to all GP practices across England urging patients to take action against plans to impose GP-led health centres and polyclinics in every health region.
BMA Steps Up 'Support Your Surgery' Campaign
A top UK medical professionals' body is seeking further help from patients in its campaign to preserve the role of traditional doctors' surgeries. The BMA has today sent a new poster and leaflet to all GP practices across England urging patients to take action against plans to impose GP-led health centres and polyclinics in every health region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
