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Deputising services: the portsmouth experience
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|August 25, 1984
Summary
The Portsmouth deputising service efficiently manages doctor workload and patient wait times. Most patients receive medical attention within two hours, with a high percentage seen within one hour, ensuring effective primary care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Services Research
- Health Management
- Primary Care Delivery
Background:
- Analysis of deputising services is crucial for understanding primary care accessibility.
- The Portsmouth scheme's unique model warrants investigation into its operational efficiency.
- Evaluating workload and patient outcomes in deputising services informs healthcare policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the workload of doctors in the Portsmouth deputising service.
- To evaluate patient response times and hospital admission rates.
- To examine the prescribing patterns and cost-effectiveness of the service.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of call logs, patient demographics, and treatment outcomes.
- Comparison of service performance against general practice standards.
- Review of the deputising service's operational structure and practitioner engagement.
Main Results:
- Doctor workload was not excessive, with call volumes comparable to non-deputising areas.
- 67% of patients were seen within one hour, 93% within two hours.
- 7% of patients required hospital admission, with 88% seen within one hour prior.
- Drug prescription rates (65%) were favorable compared to general practice.
Conclusions:
- The Portsmouth deputising service demonstrates efficient patient care delivery and timely access.
- The scheme's model, involving active GP participation, likely conserves costs and hospital resources.
- Findings suggest deputising services can be a valuable, cost-effective component of primary healthcare.