Dear Patients,
We have a ‘One Problem Per Consultation’ policy. We kindly ask that all patients try and stick to our ‘One Problem Per Consultation’ policy. The main reason for this request is for clinical safety.
We know that getting an appointment with the doctor is 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.
Each appointment is only 10 minutes long. This is not a lot of time, even for just one problem, e.g., 1 minute to get to doctor’s room and sit down, 3 minutes to tell a history, 3-4 minutes to perform a targeted examination, 2 minutes to explain, advise and treat. There is no time left of the ten minutes to write up notes, fill out forms, dictate referrals or speak to other team members for advice.
Presenting with multiple problems means that there is an increased risk that mistakes will be made and things to be missed as the clinician may be inclined to rush, particularly if other patients are waiting. This can often mean further issues do not get the full attention they deserve.
One of Primary Care’s main purposes is to detect serious disease early. Presenting multiple different 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.’
Doctors cannot see huge numbers of patients with multiple problems and continue to practice safely and effectively. A stressed & tired doctor/clinician will struggle to be a good and safe doctor.
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 advises you to rebook for your other problem(s). We are working in your best interests in order to keep you safe AND also considering the health and wellbeing of our staff to prevent ‘burnout’.
We would always encourage patients to book routine follow up appointments or a follow up double appointment if needed.
Thank you for understanding & your co-operation.