Patients' views on primary care multidisciplinary teams in Scotland: a mixed-methods evaluation

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Health Services Research
• General Practice

Background:

• The 2018 Scottish GP contract significantly expanded primary care multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), appointing over 4700 staff.
• This expansion aimed to enhance primary care service delivery and patient access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient perspectives on the expansion of primary care multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in Scotland.
• To assess patient awareness of different MDT roles and their attitudes towards new access methods like receptionist signposting.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study combining a postal survey and semi-structured telephone interviews with Scottish primary care patients.
• Survey assessed awareness of five MDT roles and attitudes towards receptionist signposting across diverse geographical areas.
• Interviews explored patient experiences with MDT care, particularly among those with multimorbidity.

Main Results:

• Most patients surveyed were unaware of the availability of specific MDT roles (e.g., link workers, mental health nurses, pharmacists).
• Receptionist signposting was less favored in deprived urban areas and among patients with multimorbidity.
• While most interviewees reported positive MDT care experiences, it was viewed as supplementary to GP care, not a replacement.

Conclusions:

• Primary care MDT expansion in Scotland has occurred with low patient awareness, despite patients recognizing potential benefits.
• Patient dissatisfaction with receptionist signposting, especially in deprived urban areas and among those with multimorbidity, poses a significant barrier.
• Addressing patient concerns regarding access and signposting is crucial for the success of the new GP contract's objectives.