Before lockdown, I thought it was a great innovation that I could send a text message to my patients. They couldn’t reply, but it meant I could let them know quickly if their blood results were fine, send reminders or useful links to online information. Just 48 hours after the announcement of strict restrictions on our lives, the options at my disposal expanded vastly, and we were given the green light to have video consultations with patients.One wonders why it took a global pandemic to do this, when every other business has adapted quickly to the options available through modern technology.
But then you quickly remember that with other businesses, you're the customer. Not so with the NHS...
Using this technology I have seen new babies with their mums and keyworkers who were unable to get to an appointment, and checked up on shielding patients and care home residents too. My patients can now reply to texts, and I can send them documents such as fit notes (once known as sick notes) or referral letters securely to their phone. If you need a prescription, it’s sent straight to your pharmacy – meaning you no longer need to pick up a green slip from reception. Most surgeries now ask patients who wish to book an appointment to fill out an online form, giving plenty of information. If it’s just a letter that they need, admin staff can handle that. Complex problems can be forwarded on to your doctor – you might need a face-to-face appointment, or you might not.And the app presumably doesn't spend 10 minutes chatting to the other apps on your phone while you wait at the counter!
But wait, you cry! What about the scare stories about people not getting their cancer and other appointments?
There have been understandable concerns that many cancer diagnoses are being missed. Last month, Cancer Research UK said an estimated two million people were waiting for breast, bowel or cervical screening.
But during lockdown, patients who have come to me with symptoms have been diagnosed quicker than ever – with most seen within 48 hours instead of the usual two, three or four week wait for that first GP appointment.Hmmm...
Amazing, yet our local surgery hasn't been making appointments since march - you can't even send messages via the website, The only use of technology is to record an even longer message to cost you money when you try to phone them. call this a health Service!
ReplyDeleteTry telling my doctor's surgery about getting into the 21st century. I have had symptoms of what I believe is a pre-cancerous condition for nearly 6 months. The GP surgery has only been doing telephone consultations and being deaf I have to suffer the indignity of relying on a third person to explain my medical ailments to the doctor. In the 6 months I have been fobbed off 3 times even after sending in pictures of my condition and due to the condition getting worse I put my foot down and demanded to be sent to a specialist. I am still waiting for an appointment nearly 3 months after the demand so don't give me all that tosh about people getting seen quickly. That's just bullshit.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 12.34,
ReplyDeletePolitely advise your medical practice, recording your phone call, that you intend to go to A&E on the grounds that your GP is apparently refusing to see you. Don't threaten them with this information as they will simply strike you off their books as a troublemaker and let every practice in the area know this so you can't get any medical cover at all. The recording is in case of you having to contact your MP or a medical tribunal.
Penseivat
Thanks Penseivat. I will try what you suggest.
DeleteJust an update. As if by magic I received an appointment by text at lunchtime. I have a guardian angel. Thank you.
DeleteIt's amazing what can be done remotely. A loved one recently had a much-delayed consultation with a psychiatrist - who was kind enough to spend all of three minutes on the phone. Clap. The same person also had an asthma check with a nurse by phone. Envy of the world. What next, chemotherapy via Twitter?
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the world's largest continuing user of fax-machines is the NHS? A decade or more after every half-smart organisation moved forward, the 'sainted' NHS continues to shovel out its vital communications via stone-age technology.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest single problem in the NHS is information management, yet they stick to such obsolete methods which can never contribute to modern information use.
You can have infinite numbers of the best-paid medics and fanciest buildings on the planet, but if the data systems aren't right, you're wasting your money (sorry, our money).
"The only use of technology is to record an even longer message to cost you money when you try to phone them."
ReplyDeleteI had to phone my mother's GP for an appointment just Friday - the interminable recorded message went on for hours!
Worse, the appointment to discuss her blood test results wasn't an appointment at all - just 'the dr will call you Monday between 9@30 - 16:30'!
"...so don't give me all that tosh about people getting seen quickly. That's just bullshit."
I think we should all register at Ellie Cannon's surgery!
"The recording is in case of you having to contact your MP or a medical tribunal."
Which may concentrate minds somewhat!
"What next, chemotherapy via Twitter?"
The technology can only go so far...what's needed is GPs willing to take advantage of what it offers...
"Did you know that the world's largest continuing user of fax-machines is the NHS?"
*blinks*