A survey of over 15,500 UK GPs has found that nine in 10 thought a heavy workload impacted negatively on the quality of care given to patients.
The poll, conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA), concluded that better funding in the industry coupled with the ability to spend more time with patients was needed to improve current services. Just one in 10 of those surveyed felt the standard 10-minute consultation slots were sufficient and 37% said the current heavy workload that they face is unmanageable.
In its response, NHS England said that it recognised that GPs were under pressure and has factored this into its five-year plan for GP services. It said it also understands that there was a need for further investment.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA GP committee, said: “GPs want to provide better services and spend more time with their patients, especially the increasing number of older people who often have a range of multiple health needs that require intensive, co-ordinated care.
“Many GPs do not feel they have enough time to spend with their patients and that these intense pressures are beginning to damage local services.”
GPs see to an estimated one million patients every day – a figure up from around 850,000 five years ago – and this poll is the latest evidence of the growing pressures on GPs.
Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “As our population ages, GPs are managing diseases and conditions that even a decade ago would have been automatically referred to hospital consultants, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet patients’ needs within the confines of the traditional 10-minute consultation.
“It is important that patients are able to see a GP when they need one – and that patients with complex and multiple illnesses are given the time that they need – but hard-pressed family doctors are already working record hours to try and meet demand.”