Back to an old topic, but the changing dynamic between GP and patient is one of the most interesting manifestations of consumer empowerment. The funding of GP practices is now partly based on the results of the new GP Patient Survey. This means that a relatively small number of disgruntled patients, if they account for at least 60% of respondents, can cost a practice up to £10,000 in penalties, . Given the fact that patients with grievances are more likely to complete the Patient Study in the first place, this is a frightening expression of consumer power. Here’s the full story in yesterday’s Telegraph.
The reaction of GPs to this shift in the balance of power will be interesting to observe. Will they give out more pills and make more referrals, simply to keep patients happy? Will the ability to charm and shmooze patients become more important than the ability to diagnose problems? Watch this space.