The Modern General Practice Model: A New Era in Healthcare

The modern general practice model has emerged as a key strategy to address the increasing demand and complexity of patient needs in the NHS. By optimising access routes and utilising digital tools, it not only improves the patient experience but also creates a better working environment for healthcare staff. Silicon Practice, with its innovative FootFall NHS England solution, is helping to drive this transformation. In this blog, we explore the essential components of the modern general practice model and how Silicon Practice aligns with these principles.

Learn About The Modern Practice Model

Learn About The Challenges Of This Model

Find Out How We Can Help

Challenges of Implementing the Modern General Practice Model

While the modern general practice model offers significant improvements, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Practices must navigate these hurdles to fully benefit from the new system and provide optimal patient care.

Digital Transformation: Adopting new technology requires investment in infrastructure and training, which can be difficult for under-resourced practices.
Workforce Adaptation: Staff must adapt to new workflows and digital tools, which can create initial resistance or slow down daily operations.
Patient Engagement: Ensuring all patients, especially older or digitally excluded groups, can effectively use new online tools can be challenging.

Optimising Patient Access Channels in the Modern General Practice Model

In the modern general practice model, patients are offered multiple channels to access care, from telephone and online services to in-person visits. This flexibility ensures that patient needs are met in a timely and convenient manner.

Patients can choose between telephone, online, or in-person consultations.
Practice websites offer easy-to-use online consultation tools and appointment systems.
Telephony systems are improved to include features like call-backs and queue positioning.
FootFall enhances patient access by integrating digital forms and offering self-service tools.

Streamlining Information Gathering and Care Navigation in the Modern General Practice Model

Modern general practice requires structured information gathering at the first point of contact, enabling practices to prioritise and direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional or service.

Information is collected consistently across all access channels, including online and phone.
Care navigation processes guide patients to the appropriate professional, avoiding the “first come, first served” approach.
Practices use a single care navigation system across all channels to streamline operations.

Aligning Capacity with Demand in the Modern General Practice Model

Effective management of capacity and demand is critical in the modern general practice model. By better understanding patient flow and staffing needs, practices can offer a smoother experience for both patients and staff.

Data collection tools measure daily patient contacts and capacity.
Digital tools like rotas and appointment tracking improve alignment of resources.
Multi-professional teams ensure that care is provided by the most suitable professional.

Enhancing Digital Services and Online Experience in the Modern General Practice Model

The modern general practice model prioritises enhancing digital services, making it easier for patients to access care, request prescriptions, and obtain health information.

Cloud-based telephony systems allow practices to monitor demand and offer real-time support.
Well-designed practice websites improve the patient journey by offering self-service options.
Integration with apps like the NHS App further enhances patient autonomy.

Empowering Healthcare Teams with Data and Digital Tools in the Modern General Practice Model

To sustain the transformation towards the modern general practice model, practices need the capability to access and use data and digital tools effectively. This helps improve workflow, allocate tasks appropriately, and support clinical decision-making.

Practices gain access to real-time data to monitor service efficiency.
Digital tools are used to manage and distribute workload among healthcare professionals.
Teams can improve patient outcomes through better data-driven decisions.

Silicon Practice’s FootFall Solution:

FootFall’s comprehensive analytics and insights tools help healthcare teams make data-driven decisions, improving practice efficiency and patient care outcomes.

At Silicon Practice, we are committed to helping primary care providers overcome the challenges they face. Our comprehensive suite of digital solutions is designed to enhance patient satisfaction, reduce physician burnout and manage healthcare costs effectively. By partnering with us, your practice can navigate these healthcare challenges with confidence and continue to provide exceptional care.

Take the Next Step
Ready to overcome your primary care challenges? Contact Silicon Practice today to learn how our innovative solutions can transform your practice and help you thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Let’s work together to build a better future for primary care.

How Silicon Practice Can Help

Experience the Future of GP Practice Websites

Join practices using Foundation today

Silicon Practice News and Resources

Deep dive into the latest trends and insights shaping the primary care industry. Explore practical resources and expert advice to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the ever-evolving landscape with Silicon Practice.

5 key strategies to improve NHS recruitment and build a resilient workforce

05/08/2026 No Comments

Managing healthcare staffing often feels like trying to fill a leaking bucket. True success requires more than just filling vacancies – it demands a complete rethink of how we attract, onboard and support staff. In this article, we explore 5 practical strategies to transform your approach to NHS recruitment, align hiring with long term NHS workforce planning and significantly boost NHS staff retention. Discover how streamlining candidate journeys and fostering early engagement can build a more resilient workforce for your practice or trust.

10 things every Practice Manager should consider about NHS website design before choosing a new website provider

14/07/2026 No Comments

Choosing the right website provider is an important decision for every GP practice. A modern NHS website design should do more than look professional. It should improve patient access, support accessibility, reduce administrative workload and align with NHS guidance. In this practical guide, you’ll discover the 10 questions every Practice Manager should ask before selecting a new provider, helping you compare suppliers with confidence and choose a solution that supports both your practice and your patients for years to come.

Choosing the right digital solution for your practice: 2026 buyer’s guide

29/06/2026 No Comments

We believe that maintaining continuity of care shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle for young people moving into adult services. Our latest blog explores why a digital-first approach is no longer optional. By integrating a dedicated patient engagement platform, services can bridge the gap between pediatric and adult healthcare. We think it is about meeting young people where they are, using our practical guides and online checklists to ensure no one falls through the cracks during this transition.

Ensuring continuity of care: why digital strategy is the lifeline for youth services

05/05/2026 No Comments