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Increasing patient participation using an extended consultation: an inner city study
Summary
A new extended consultation model in Birmingham primary care significantly boosted patient participation and satisfaction. This innovative approach involved record access, open reception, and nurse practitioner involvement, enhancing patient engagement.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Patient Engagement Strategies
Background:
- Inner-city practices face challenges in maximizing patient participation.
- Previous initiatives included patient access to medical records, open reception, and nurse practitioner consultations.
- Enhancing patient involvement is crucial for effective primary care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a new extended consultation style to increase patient participation in primary care.
- To assess patient and staff reception of the new consultation model.
- To provide a replicable model for improving patient engagement in general practice.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a three-stage, 30-minute extended consultation.
- Stage 1: Assisted access to medical records with a receptionist.
- Stage 2: 15-20 minute consultation with a doctor or nurse practitioner.
- Stage 3: Self-help session with a receptionist.
Main Results:
- The extended consultation was positively received by patients.
- Patients demonstrated a marked degree of participation in the consultation process.
- Staff satisfaction and cooperation with the project were notably increased.
Conclusions:
- The developed extended consultation model effectively increases patient participation in primary care.
- This innovative approach offers a valuable model for other general practices seeking to enhance patient engagement.
- Positive patient and staff feedback highlights the model's potential for widespread adoption.