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'Choose and Book' in ENT: the GP perspective
David D Pothier1, Zaid Awad, Paul Tierney
1Dept of Otolaryngology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK. email@davepothier.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|January 31, 2006
Summary
Most UK General Practitioners (GPs) surveyed did not favour the Choose and Book system, citing concerns about time constraints and inflexibility. Patients and GPs were generally satisfied with current prioritization methods.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Healthcare Policy
- General Practice
Background:
- The UK government introduced the 'Choose and Book' system to enhance patient choice and GP responsibility in National Health Service (NHS) referrals.
- This initiative aimed to provide patients with greater control over hospital selection and appointment scheduling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the attitudes of UK General Practitioners (GPs) towards the 'Choose and Book' referral system.
- To evaluate the anticipated impact of 'Choose and Book' on Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 500 GPs across the UK.
- Response rates were analyzed, with 76% of GPs returning the questionnaire after reminders.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (61.5%) of GPs aware of 'Choose and Book' did not view it favorably.
- Most GPs reported satisfaction with existing prioritization practices for themselves and their patients.
- GPs indicated a willingness to delegate prioritization tasks to non-clinical staff, highlighting time and responsibility concerns.
Conclusions:
- The majority of UK GPs expressed opposition to the 'Choose and Book' system.
- Key reasons for GP dissatisfaction included perceived time constraints and the system's inflexibility.