GPAQ Comparative Analysis

Thus far over 21,000 GPAQ surveys have been returned to PCAG and analysed.  Although it is difficult to know precisely how many surveys will be returned to us, we expect the final total to be approximately 40,000!

Obviously, this information will be extremely valuable and will help local practices and PCTs gauge local perceptions of the service that GPs provide.

PCAG plan to aggregate local data and produce various reports.  This will include – local benchmarks for the six scale scores, PCT specific reports, further analysis of the patients comments section, etc.  All analysis will be anonymised and no individual GPs or practices will be identified.

Unfortunately, a small number of GPs have raised concerns over having their data included in the aggregated analysis/reports.  PCAG are discussing this matter with the local PCTs and as soon as this has been resolved we will begin producing aggregated results.

However, PCAG would make the following comments in relation to the 21,000 questionnaires that have been returned thus far –

First, the local results are consistent with the national benchmarks developed by the University of Manchester and detailed in the GPAQ reports.

Second, in terms of patient comments, the five most frequent issues relate to –

• Inability to get through to the surgery on the telephone – patients are often requesting more phone lines and a different telephone number for booking appointments.  Some patients have requested booking appointments via email or fax.

• Patients have often commented that they don’t like to be asked about the nature of their appointments by reception staff.

• Patients have raised many concerns over Advanced Access and appointment systems.

• Patients feel that complimentary therapies, e.g. acupuncture should be available on the NHS.

• A number of patients have asked for annual or bi-annual health checks.