Consultant Connect’s Enhanced Advice & Guidance service covers 45 million patients across the UK, supporting clinicians to access rapid specialist advice. The Messaging Advice & Guidance function enables clinicians to securely send instant messages to specialists for advice – attaching relevant files or photos when needed.
Since launch, over half a million messages have been sent, with our latest benchmark data showing a 35% year-on-year increase in non-dermatology messaging. The flexible and asynchronous nature of messaging makes it ideal for fitting around existing clinical commitments:
- Average response time*: Under 24 hours
- Average time to consultant response and message closure**: Under 5 minutes
These quick turnarounds mean patients receive timely advice and management plans, reducing unnecessary referrals and delays in care.
While dermatology remains a key specialty for digital Advice & Guidance, the biggest growth areas for instant messaging have been cardiology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery. Clinicians report that the service provides a practical, efficient alternative to waiting for call-backs or specialist appointments in these areas.
* 2020 – 2025 ** 2024 – 2025
Feedback from our users:
‘[It’s] excellent to get quick advice and support whilst awaiting referral, or for situations where a referral is not needed. [I] always receive a prompt reply – especially Cardiology ECG advice.’
– Clinician in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
‘Quick replies [are] received from very knowledgeable consultants. [I] often receive replies [the] same day. [The service] can help us assess if [a] patient needs [a] secondary care referral or if it can be dealt with in primary care, therefore improving efficiency.’
– Clinician in West Midlands.
‘Specialties such as cardiology are excellent. They work well as we can send messages rather than waiting on the phone. Dr Jackson is brilliant for endocrinology, [he] always answers the phone and is very helpful.’ – GP in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how Consultant Connect can support your NHS area, please contact us on 01865 951207 or email info@consultantconnect.org.uk.
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