New guidance to support online consultations

Drawing upon the learning and experience of early adopters of online consultations, NHS England and NHS Improvement have released a new online consultations implementation toolkit.

GPs have always led the way in adopting new technology, and as more practices look to develop an online consultation offering, aligned to the GMS contract framework, the toolkit provides practical information and advice to support GP practices, clinicians, commissioners and primary care networks to successfully adopt online consultations.

The guidance covers:

• procurement
• measuring success
• overcoming challenges
• safety checks
• supplier systems and functionality
• patient promotion.

Early adopters also highlight how they seamlessly integrated online consultations alongside face-to-face services to enhance the experience of care for patients and better manage time and workloads.

GP Practice staff are invited to adapt the toolkit to suit their local plans and are encouraged to use the following link to download the online consultations toolkit https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/digital-first-primary-care/resources 

Free online consultations implementation webinars

Book your place now, to join one of more of our autumn implementation webinars. Hosted by Dr Minal Bakhai (Clinical Lead for Digital First Primary Care and Online Consultations) and Louise Croney (Senior Programme Lead for Online Consultations), these practical webinars are designed to support the successful implementation of online consultations.

Aimed at all general practice and commissioning staff, including GPs, Nurses, practice managers and reception staff, these webinars will provide guidance on a range of issues related to the implementation of online consultations. They also provide people with an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. The following webinars are available: