TY - JOUR T1 - Process and Systems: A systems approach to embedding group consultations in the NHS JF - Future Healthcare Journal JO - Future Healthc J SP - 8 LP - 16 DO - 10.7861/futurehosp.6-1-8 VL - 6 IS - 1 AU - Tania Jones AU - Ara Darzi AU - Garry Egger AU - Jeannette Ickovics AU - Ed Noffsinger AU - Kamalini Ramdas AU - John Stevens AU - Marianne Sumego AU - Fraser Birrell Y1 - 2019/02/01 UR - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/6/1/8.abstract N2 - Group consultations are an important care option that is ­starting to gain traction in the USA and Australia. This review summarises the likely benefits accruing from a systems ­approach to implementing group consultations widely in the NHS and other socialised healthcare systems. Existing evidence is mapped to five distinct systems approaches: (1) development; (2) different age groups; (3) patient-centred pathway of care; (4) NHS system changes; and (5) education. Implications are discussed for patients and staff, who both benefit from group consultations once embedded; ranging from improved access and efficiency to more enjoyable multidisciplinary team working, improved resource management, and maintained/better outcomes. Moreover, even patients who don't attend group consultations can benefit from system effects of long-term implementation. Changing behaviour and health systems is challenging, but change requires systematic experimentation and documentation of evidence. We conclude that group consultations have unique potential for delivering system-wide benefits across the NHS. ER -