Related Experiment Videos
Advanced access: more than just GP waiting times?
Simon Dixon1, Fiona C Sampson, Alicia O'Cathain
1School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. s.dixon@shef.ac.uk
Family Practice
|December 21, 2005
Summary
Advanced access in primary care can reduce wait times and improve patient choice. However, some patient groups may be disadvantaged, and implementation challenges exist.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Management
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Advanced access is proposed to reduce primary care waiting times.
- Previous evaluations have raised concerns about its appropriateness.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess advanced access impact on patient access.
- Evaluate broader effects on primary care stakeholders.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of appointment data from 462 practices.
- Qualitative analysis of surveys and interviews with 28 practice staff.
- Examined time to third available appointment and day-of-choice access.
Main Results:
- Reduced wait times for GPs and practice nurses.
- Increased proportion of patients seen on their day of choice.
- Practice population characteristics and vulnerable groups may be impacted.
Conclusions:
- Advanced access shows positive impacts on primary care services.
- Potential for broader changes in practice working methods.
- Concerns remain regarding worsened wait times and disadvantaged vulnerable groups.