RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Process and Systems: A systems approach to embedding group consultations in the NHS
JF Future Healthcare Journal
JO Future Healthc J
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 8
OP 16
DO 10.7861/futurehosp.6-1-8
VO 6
IS 1
A1 Tania Jones
A1 Ara Darzi
A1 Garry Egger
A1 Jeannette Ickovics
A1 Ed Noffsinger
A1 Kamalini Ramdas
A1 John Stevens
A1 Marianne Sumego
A1 Fraser Birrell
YR 2019
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/6/1/8.abstract
AB 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.