More GP patients within Moray and Aberdeenshire should be seen online, says NHS Grampian
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NHS Grampian is pushing for more GP appointments in Moray and Aberdeenshire to be conducted online.
To date, 51 of NHS Grampian’s practices have adopted a new consultation platform called eConsult.
However the health board wants more to consider using the platform, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic.
eConsult lets patients submit their symptoms or make a request to their GP by completing a quick questionnaire.
The GP practices also receive the patient’s medical history.
Simon Bokor-Ingram, chief officer of Health and Social Care, said: "Our practices were facing a range of challenges, such as high volumes of calls, long appointment wait times and now finding ways to support patients during COVID-19.
"We wanted to find a solution for them that would help ease this burden and ensure that they could provide the best possible care.
"eConsult has allowed patients to receive care wherever they are, at any time, and doesn’t require them to phone or visit a practice unless they have to.
"For example, whereas before patients would have to attend the practice for long-term condition reviews, they can now quickly complete a form online updating their doctor on their condition, who can then review this and decide on the best course of action remotely.
"This has eased pressure on staff who can now prioritise their patients and their workload.
"Technology has the ability to really help GP practices and we have seen this first hand with those that are using eConsult.
"With a second wave of COVID-19 potentially on the horizon, as well as regular winter pressures, having systems in place to ensure people can quickly and safely receive care, without putting themselves or staff at risk, will be vital.
"Based on our experience, we would encourage others to consider using online consultations as a way to benefit practices and patients now and in the future."
NHS Grampian says it takes clinicians only two to three minutes to process an eConsult query.
The GP can determine which patients are most urgently in need of help, including a face to face appointment if necessary.
The platform can also redirect patients to self-help, pharmacy advice and local self-referral services.
NHS Grampian says the platform will also benefit patients.
Mr Bokor-Ingram added: "Those in rural areas who would have to travel long distances to their practice can now access care from home and patients no longer have to make unnecessary trips to their surgery.
"For those who don’t have internet access or need to speak to or see a clinician, they can now get through to the practice quicker as other patients are being treated remotely and not taking up as much time."
