We have a ‘One Problem Per Consultation’ policy

Posted by: jreeveseastwood - Posted on:

The majority of GP appointments are ten-minute duration and as such we kindly ask that all patients try to observe the “One appointment, one problem” ethos. We strive to deal with each medical problem to the highest standard and this proves to be impossible if we are asked to deal with a number of problems in one appointment slot.

The main reason for this request is for clinical safety.

We know that getting an appointment with the doctor is sometimes difficult and that some patients ‘save’ their problems and present them to the doctor at the same time, with or without a list. We also know that the clinician may run late. All of this increases the tendency for patients to present multiple problems to their doctor/ANP at one consultation.

Presenting multiple problems to the clinician, not all of which may be serious increases the difficulty of this task – it is like finding the ‘needle in a haystack.

Managing any diagnosis takes time to ensure the patient has understood what they need to do at home. If the doctor is having to rush through problems, not only is it unsafe, it can lead to the condition not being managed in the best possible way.

It also causes your appointment to overrun which causes a knock-on effect on everyone waiting after you.  It can lead to the doctor running late for rest of the clinic, which is not fair on the other patients.

IT IS TEMPTING TO BRING A LIST OF UNRELATED PROBLEMS – BUT CONSIDER WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE IN 10 MINUTES!

During your 10 appointment our clinician will:

  • Listen to your concerns
  • Ask questions to determine the problem
  • Organise prescriptions, tests results and referrals as necessary
  • Perform any needed examinations.
  • Advise and reassure as needed.
  • Finally, the clinician will need to add a comprehensive consultation note to your medical record regarding all that has been discussed, carried out and organised during your appointment.

Add onto this the time taken for patients to get into the doctor’s room and sit down, 10 minutes even for one problem is very little time to carry out all that is required.

GP/ANP appointments are a limited resource, and we would kindly ask that such a service be used with care and consideration.

Therefore, please do not be offended if the doctor asks you to rebook for your other problems. We are working in your best interests to keep you safe.

Please also note that your appointment is for you only. Please do not ask the doctor to deal with the problems of a child or other relative in the same appointment slot. Please make a separate appointment for your child/relative if they need to be seen as well.

Thank you for taking the above into consideration when you need to book an appointment; and thank you for you continued support.

We understand in can be difficult to wait up to 2 weeks to see a GP and then be limited to one problem in a 10-minute assembly line of patients. Our patients are important to us and we want to maximise the quality of our consultations with you.

Here are our top tips to help you get the best from your GP:

Be Prepared – Prior to your appointment we would recommend:

  • Inform the receptionist of the reason for your appointment – Giving an indication of your problem at booking can help your doctor manage the appointment for efficiency.
  • Think about your symptoms beforehand, what is worrying you? –  Write down your symptoms and concerns so that you can present your issues to the doctor concisely. Also be prepared to tell your doctor of any non-prescription medicines or supplements you are taking.
  • Take a pen and paper as you may want to note down important points.
  • Wear accessible clothing if it’s likely you’ll need an examination – Wearing loose clothing can save time during an examination, it can also be worth removing any extra layers in the waiting room before your appointment.
  • Be on time and ready – If you are late, you may not be seen (if you are more than 5 minutes late it is at the clinician’s discretion on whether they will still see you). Please allow plenty of time when travelling to the Practice, and if driving for parking your car. Arriving on time not only helps patients settle and gather their thoughts but also, if appropriate, ready themselves for any possible examination e.g., remove extra layers.
  • Prioritise to discuss the most pressing and worrying concerns – Plan how you are going to tell your ‘story’ in the most effective and concise manner. This is the chance to tell the doctor why the appointment was made. It is important to be specific and clear e.g. if asked “how long you have had the condition for?”, try to give a precise duration, “This started 2 months ago”, not “It’s been like that for several months”.

During The Appointment

  • One problem at a time – If you have several problems, it is more effective in the long run to concentrate on just one problem during the consultation than to have to rush through a list of problems. Be prepared to make another appointment so that each problem can be given the appropriate time needed to discuss each issue in depth and then also explain how to manage the conditions to a patient’s full understanding.
  • If you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask again – The Doctor can explain what has been said or any words you did not understand.
  • Get all the needed information – If you are prescribed a drug, make sure you know why it has been given to you, how long to take it for etc. Remember pharmacists are experts in medication and a very useful source of advice.
  • Be direct – If you have a problem that you find embarrassing or difficult to talk about, don’t leave it to the end of the appointment before mentioning it. Remember your problem is likely to a common one for your GP, who is there to help you.
  • Is this your first visit to the Practice? – Please bring a list of medication you are currently taking.
  • Make sure you know what happens next – You may be asked to book a follow up appointment, be referred to a consultant or be required to attend for further tests.  Make sure you know if you need to do anything and write it down if necessary.
  • Be on time and ready – If you are late you may not be seen (if you are more than 5 minutes late it is at the clinician’s discretion on whether they will still see you). Please allow plenty of time when travelling to the Practice, and if driving for parking your car. Arriving on time not only helps patients settle and gather their thoughts but also, if appropriate, ready themselves for any possible examination e.g., remove extra layers.
  • If possible, come without the kids – It is inevitable that parents get distracted by their young children and this can lead to them losing out on their own consultation time, but also lose focus on their concern.

A recent report by the Royal College of General Practitioners suggested that all appointments should be at least 15 minutes long. Until this happens, please bear in mind that GPs are trying to do their best in the circumstances that have been provided and also want patients to get the most out of their consultation. So next time you go to see your GP, bear the steps above in mind.

Please Note:

Zero tolerance – Please be respectful to other patients and staff when attending the Practice. Disruptive or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Dental – Patients should see their Dentist for problems with teeth or gums. If you are not registered with a Dentist and have a dental emergency (pain, swelling, trauma or bleeding) please refer to the NHS guidance How to contact a Dentist.