This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
GP receptionists deterring patients from visiting surgery, survey suggests
According to a survey by Cancer Research UK, 40 per cent of patients said they were put off booking an appointment with their GP because of receptionists quizzing them about the details of their illnesses.
The survey questioned 2,000 adults about the top barriers to seeing a GP. The results identified the most prevalent obstacles as: difficulty getting an appointment with a particular doctor (41.8 per cent); difficulty getting an appointment at a convenient time (41.5 per cent); and dislike of having to speak to the GP receptionist about
symptoms (39.5 per cent).
The survey results were published in the Journal of Public Health, which added that around a third of the patients interviewed were also concerned that they might be negatively viewed as the type of person who makes a fuss.
Dr Jodie Moffat, lead researcher of the project, urged: “Don't let yourself be put off. Make that appointment. Be forceful. I know that's easier said than done. But it's clear that a new sign or symptom, or something that has stayed or got worse over time, needs to be checked out by a GP.”
Moffat added: "If you find it hard, ask a friend or a relative to make an appointment for you. Or go online. Lots of GP surgeries now take online bookings."
Responding to the findings, Dr Maureen Baker, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: “With GPs making more patient consultations than ever before - 60 million more a year compared to five years ago - GP receptionists ensure the smooth running of the practice and do their best to help patients see a particular GP at a suitable time for them.
"However, it is important to remember that they are not healthcare professionals, and are not in a position to make decisions about our patients' health."
NHS England announced earlier in the year that new funding will be provided towards training receptionists.
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