Hi All,
My GP surgery has decided to use Econsult, an online triage system in future.
Link about Econsult.
Just wondered if any UK forum members are at a surgery that uses this and what you think about it.
I prefer human contact to an algorithm.
I'm not convinced that changing to a computer algorithm will mean better care of patients with B12 deficiency but maybe I'm being pessimistic.
Awful
Will take over clinical judgement . That's being lost already.
Computers work out what drugs are needed to counteract others.
Too much computerised systems are dangerous.
Sometimes ignored
I went through the flowchart of questions which might ad well have been online.
An ambulance was on it's way.
Stopped as a real person said as wasnt having a heart attack it wasnt coming. So humans can then stop carefully calculated list of questions.
I'm still amazed that doctors rarely touch you or exams e you. I remember as a child the first thing you had to do was stick out your tongue.
It's hard enough to explain symptoms face to face let alone describe a stagger walk .
I wouldnt have been able to do it.
Still csn only manage a tiny screen
At the beginning vision too blurry to write anything.
Let alone read!
You would have to be quite well to navigate that system.
Perhaps thars the test.
If you well enough to do form???
Catch 22 !
Econsult was developed by NHS clinicians...well, based on my experiences over the years that does not give me much confidence.
When I’ve previously used the online private gp system,push doctor,I was so critized for doing it,how can they possibly prescribe without examining the patient etc , but the problem I had was I couldn’t get to see my doctor of choice for weeks anyway it would be a locum so it made no difference to me other than I paid Annually to access the private gp service as many times as I needed and I couldn’t fault them,I could get same day nhs or private referrals if the gp thought it necessary,my practice gp who critiqued them couldn’t do this for me but now all of a sudden it’s acceptable,hypocrites.!
Completely agree with you 
Hi Sleepy bunny. My surgery started using this. I was very cynical but have had two positive experiences. Not PA related. The first was when I hurt my knee. I was sent for a scan and a blood test. The results given by phone and discussed. I needed physio which was also done by phone and downloading exercises. The second time for something else I filled in the questions. Got an email said they would be in touch within 4 days. A doctor called me the same day. Had read all my notes before the call. This never happens in the surgery. She even asked me how my PA was! Recommend a scan and sent that electronically to the hospital who booked me in within 24 hours! I’ve never had such efficient service in my life! First time I felt a bit uncared for as,I couldn’t see how she could diagnose my knee or the physio work without touching but honestly the professional way they all dealt with it, offering options to see them in person at every step and the time I didn’t lose waiting around and worrying were worth it. It would have been a nightmare getting to a physio as I could only hop. I’ve had texts saying when they will call with follow ups and they do. I’m a dinosaur with technology but it has worked for me. I actually think the opportunity to write all symptoms and concerns without gp already judging and writing a blood test request as I walk in the door is a positive thing.
Maybe it’s the way to go now ,maybe because it’s in writing they have to be seen to act instead of just dismissing us,we all say the same thing that when we take a witness into the consulting room with us we get a whole different response and reaction from the gp so it could be that because this letter or form we have to complete is on our file for others to monitor they have to up their gain now..I’ll look forward to trying it then give my opinion.x
My surgery uses this and I have found it very good. When I have asked for a particular medication I have got it as well as referrals. I probably would not use it for a medical problem if I did not know what I needed, but so often it is a repeat issue and you know exactly what worked last time so all you really need is a prescription. If the Dr. needs further information or further tests he will call you or tell you to make an appointment.
My surgery uses this and after initially being wary, I’ve found it a really good way to get in touch with my GP.
It means I have the time to write down exactly what I wish to say (I often forget stuff in the consulting room).
A GP has always got back to me very quickly and if I’ve needed to see someone face to face, that has also been arranged quickly.
I’m very happy with the system.
I'm glad to hear of positive responses.
One thing this covid-19 pandemic is going to do it to thrust us a few years along the path to abandoning unnecessary physical contact. Millions of people are learning that they can do their job just as well from home as they can in an office a dozen miles away. Doctors, and patients, are finding that e-consultations can be enough. TV interviews are just as good when they're not face to face.
These changes were coming slowly. The pandemic has just brought them forward.
I trust my GP. It has taken a long time to get through all the consultants and tests, scans etc. She didn't give up and we have now probably exhausted all possibilities. We have had our disagreements - I was offered antidepressants quite a few times initially for example. I think we reached a point where she could see for herself how ill I was- visual signs, inability to comprehend information etc. - and that these symptoms would come and go randomly, despite regularity and frequency of B12 injections. She understood that this was severe and life-changing for me. It wasn't always easy. I think she saved a lot of damage by restarting loading injections until no more improvement could be gained, despite the reluctance of the nurses .
This might well not have happened with another GP.
I don't think we would have reached this stage at all with a remote system.
This could be useful for simple primary care or repeats for ongoing established conditions that are easily treatable - but this isn't that.
I don't think it is pessimistic, just wary .... no changes occurring lately that might alter that, judging by posts here.
Couldn’t agree more
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Does your surgery send B12 jab reminder texts/letters? Should they?
To jab or not to jab!
