Understanding Patient Access to Online GP Services

This report analyzes patient access to online GP services, highlighting the shift towards digital healthcare. It discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by GP practices in adapting to changing patient preferences for online services. The analysis is based on data from the GP Patient Survey, which reveals that while a significant portion of patients express a desire to book appointments online, actual usage remains low. Key findings indicate that only 6 percent of patients typically book appointments online, with low awareness and technical barriers contributing to this gap. The report outlines the importance of increasing patient awareness of available online services and improving their functionality to enhance user experience. It also notes that patients who utilize online services report higher satisfaction levels with their GP practices. The methodology includes a review of survey data collected over five years, focusing on trends and patient behaviors regarding online appointment booking and prescription services.