Improving Patient Access: Why It’s Critical for Better Health Outcomes

sharon
September 2, 2024

Fortunately, there is technology available to not only improve access, but also increase utilisation of services, improve patient satisfaction and ultimately patient care.

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Access to healthcare is a fundamental right that everyone should have. Unfortunately, due to many factors including an aging population, increases in chronic diseases, funding constraints and skill shortages it is becoming ever more difficult for patients to access care.

In 2021, only 69% of patients reported being able to get an appointment to see or speak to someone at their GP practice, down from 77% in 2020.
The percentage of patients who said they were able to get an appointment on the same day or next day they wanted one has decreased from 34% in 2020 to 29% in 2021.
The proportion of patients who reported waiting a week or more for an appointment has increased from 20% in 2020 to 25% in 2021.
Patient satisfaction with out-of-hours GP services has also declined, with only 60% of patients reporting they were satisfied with the service in 2021, down from 67% in 2020.

Fortunately, there is technology available to not only improve access, but also increase utilisation of services, improve patient satisfaction and ultimately patient care. Read more here…

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With news of the GP contract changes for 23/24 largely focusing on access and the patient experience, Improving patient access should be a top priority for healthcare providers and policymakers alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore why improving patient access is critical for better health outcomes and what steps can be taken to achieve this.

Importance of Improving Patient Access

Access to healthcare is a crucial determinant of health outcomes. Patients who have limited access to healthcare are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, such as higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that patients who have poor access to healthcare are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage cancer and have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Limited access to healthcare can also result in increased healthcare costs. Patients who lack access to primary care services are more likely to seek care in emergency departments, which is a costly and inefficient way to deliver healthcare. In fact, one study found that uninsured patients are four times more likely to use the emergency department for non-emergency care than insured patients.

Improving Patient Access: What Can Be Done?

Primary care networks (PCNs) can play a vital role in improving patient access to healthcare services. PCNs can take several steps to improve access to care, such as:

Expanding digital access: PCNs can leverage digital health technologies to improve access to care. For instance, telehealth services can enable patients to consult with their healthcare provider remotely, while remote monitoring devices can help detect early warning signs of potential health issues.
Increasing same-day appointments: PCNs can prioritize same-day appointments for urgent care needs. This can reduce wait times for patients and ensure that they receive timely care.
Enhancing patient outreach: PCNs can engage with patients who may have difficulty accessing care, such as those from marginalized communities, the elderly, or those with limited English proficiency. Outreach programs, community events, and multilingual patient resources can help bridge the gap.
Implementing shared care plans: PCNs can develop shared care plans for patients with complex needs. This can ensure that patients receive coordinated and consistent care across different providers, reducing the risk of adverse events or unnecessary hospitalizations.
Automating administrative tasks: Automating administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, and patient record keeping can free up staff time and resources. This can reduce wait times for patients and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

Improving patient access to healthcare services is critical for better health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Primary care networks can play a critical role in improving access to care through digital health technologies, same-day appointments, patient outreach, shared care plans, and automating administrative tasks. By implementing these strategies, PCNs can ensure that patients receive the care they need, when they need it, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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