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.

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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.

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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.

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