GP case study: rapid Telephone Advice & Guidance in Somerset

Two GPs in Somerset recount how they use Telephone Advice & Guidance to speed up patient care and avoid unnecessary referrals.
- Consultant Connect

‘The app has helped me get the information I need to make better decisions for my patients, less time hanging on for switchboard and leaving messages with secretaries.’ – Dr Edgar.

GP case study: rapid Telephone Advice & Guidance in Somerset

We spoke with Drs Smith and Edgar, GPs in Somerset, to discuss how their access to Telephone Advice & Guidance assists with ensuring the best patient care.

‘Before the implementation of Consultant Connect, I would use slower methods for obtaining specialist advice, such as contacting secretaries, writing letters or calling on-call specialists via switchboard.

Telephone Advice & Guidance is much quicker because it’s direct and you can avoid switchboard.

– Dr Smith.

 

‘When using the app, I never forget to leave an outcome because it’s so straightforward. I don’t need to remember or locate contact numbers. I can easily see which services are currently open. Other than that, it has the same effect as using a landline phone; it’s just a more efficient and smoother way of doing so.

The app has helped me get the information I need to make better decisions for my patients. There’s less time waiting to be connected and no need to leave messages and wait for someone to call back.’ – Dr Edgar.

 

Patient Examples

 

Dr Smith

‘On one occasion, I saw a patient’s ultrasound scan showing an incidental finding of a renal cyst. I used Consultant Connect to speak with a consultant urologist to discuss the best course of action. The consultant recommended that I organise a CT scan and that the patient’s cyst be continuously monitored using further ultrasound scans.

Another time, I organised a stool test for a patient with possible pancreatic insufficiency. I then used Consultant Connect to contact a consultant gastroenterologist to discuss possible treatment options and whether a referral was necessary.

Additionally, another patient’s blood test demonstrated a case of severe folic acid deficiency presenting with pancytopenia. I discussed this case with a consultant haematologist via Consultant Connect, who advised on the patient’s management.

In all cases, Consultant Connect has enabled me to rapidly speak with specialists, streamlining the care of my patients. A lot of the time, I can instigate further investigations or manage the patient’s condition without the need for an outpatient appointment. This is a much better result for the patients in question.’

 

 

Dr Edgar

‘I suspected a patient was developing peripheral vascular disease but wasn’t entirely sure. Measurements at the surgery had been done and were suspicious, so I wanted to order further investigations but wasn’t sure which or if an admission was needed. I used the free Consultant Connect App to contact the Vascular Surgical Team, who suggested that they would conduct all necessary investigations in one clinic. This meant an admission wasn’t needed unless the patient’s condition worsened and a routine clinic referral was made.

The patient avoided an unnecessary admission and had a more convenient all-encompassing appointment which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was happy not to have been admitted to hospital.’

Related case studies

Harnessing teledermatology to improve cancer care in Leeds

Harnessing teledermatology to improve cancer care in Leeds

Read our latest feature, created by HSJ in co-operation with the Leeds Cancer Programme about how teledermatology is improving cancer care in Leeds.

Consultant Connect supports expedited dermatology referral in Oxfordshire

Consultant Connect supports expedited dermatology referral in Oxfordshire

We spoke with a patient at Woodlands Medical Centre in Oxfordshire, to find out how her GP’s utilisation of the Consultant Connect App impacted her daughter’s care following a dermatological condition.

The benefits of having access to GP Bypass Numbers in Wales

The benefits of having access to GP Bypass Numbers in Wales

One of the most popular uses of the free Consultant Connect App is the pre-programmed Bypass Numbers feature, which allows healthcare professionals in participating areas to skip the queue on switchboard and speak directly to staff at local GP practices.

Consultant Connect replaces bleep system for rheumatology at Salford Royal Hospital

Consultant Connect replaces bleep system for rheumatology at Salford Royal Hospital

In April 2022, the rheumatology department at Salford Royal implemented Consultant Connect Telephone Advice & Guidance as a replacement service for their bleep system.

- Consultant Connect

Contact us

For more information about how we work with commissioners, hospitals and mental health trusts to improve patient care, please get in touch.

- Consultant Connect

Join a webinar

Listen to health experts from the comfort of your desk as we bring the experts to you in our series of online webinars.

- Consultant Connect

Join our mailing list

Join our mailing list and we'll keep you informed of our latest blogs, project news, and upcoming webinar dates and topics.

Contact us

Permissions

You can view our Terms & Conditions here.

Most Read Articles

Suspected Head & Neck Cancer Messaging service

The Suspected Head & Neck Cancer messaging service was launched in May 2023 to all clinicians in North Central London ICB. We caught up with the Lead Head & Neck and Thyroid Clinical Nurse Specialist who manages the line, and a GP who used the line to find out more.

read more
Transforming the care of older people

Advances in healthcare mean more of us are living longer, and, in recognition of the International Day of Older People, we’re showcasing how we support clinicians in providing the best care for these patients.

read more