A digital first approach to Primary Care


In practical terms, this means patients are able to use online resources to access all primary care services, such as receiving advice, booking and cancelling appointments, having a consultation with a healthcare professional, receiving a referral and obtaining a prescription.
GP practices within the East Cornwall Primary Care Network are increasingly offering more online access to services. One such service is the option to have an online consultation with their GP practice using a resource called e-consult. This service allow patients to contact their GP practice without having to wait on the phone or take time out to come into the practice, and they form an important part of Digital First Primary Care.


Research has been commissioned to understand the impact of online consultations on general practice. However, evidence to date and case study findings show that where online consultations are implemented as part of a comprehensive primary care service, they enhance the experience of care for patients and support general practice in managing time and workloads, improving both access and sustainability.
With early evidence showing benefits for both patient and GP Surgery the NHS long term plan commits that every patient will have the right to be offered digital-first primary care by 2023-24.
© East Cornwall Primary Care Network 2020
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