“Messaging A&G is easy to use and gives me specialist input quickly for my decision-making.”
Primary Care clinicians in Kent and Medway have had access to specialist Telephone Advice & Guidance (A&G) since September 2019. As of May 2022, clinicians now have access to Messaging A&G provided by out-of-area consultants on the National Consultant Network (NCN). We spoke with a GP and an advanced nurse practitioner in the area to find out how Messaging A&G has improved their working methods.
How did you get specialist written advice before using Consultant Connect and how does this compare with Messaging A&G?
Deborah Nicholls, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, said:
“in the past, we would’ve needed to make a written referral to Secondary Care, which is a longer overall process. Messaging A&G is easy to use and gives me specialist input quickly for my decision-making. It is reassuring to know that help is available at the touch of a button.”
Dr Shirani Ilanthirayan, a GP, commented:
“access to Messaging A&G helps obtain input to streamline referrals and potential admissions on the correct pathways. I frequently avoid unnecessary referrals and admissions by using Consultant Connect.”
We asked the clinicians to share examples of how using the service has recently helped improve patient care:
Deborah’s Neurology patient
“I sent a message via the Consultant Connect App to a consultant neurologist on the NCN after seeing a patient with a neurological concern. The consultant assured me that the patient was suitable for a 40-week referral rather than an urgent one. The response was rapid, and I was able to reassure the anxious patient and put them at ease quickly.”
Dr Ilanthirayan’s Stroke patient
“I saw a patient who had had a stroke and was taking Apixaban and Statin. They recently had their bloods taken, and their liver function test (LFT) was grossly abnormal, which was a new finding. I sent a message to a haematology consultant, who reassured me that the patient could be managed locally and that a referral was unnecessary. This was excellent for the patient as they didn’t need to travel to the hospital and wait to speak to a clinician in Secondary Care.”
What advice would you give to clinicians who are thinking of using Messaging A&G but are unsure?
Dr Ilanthirayan mentioned:
“this is a service that can help many clinicians. I like that many responses to A&G queries are almost instant.”
Deborah added:
“I would advise all clinicians to use Messaging A&G whenever additional input is required. The service is excellent and has helped manage many of my patients.”
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If you have any questions about this service, please get in touch on 01865 261467 or at hello@consultantconnect.org.uk
