Current issues facing GPs
In the high-pressure world of healthcare, General Practices face the daunting task of sifting through extensive clinical documents to extract crucial patient information. The sheer volume and often convoluted nature of these records can lead to important information being overlooked. This oversight increases the risk of the wrong course of treatment being followed and affects the quality of patient care. Ensuring that GPs have a clear and accurate view of essential patient details is vital to ensure proper care.
In a 2018 study published in the BJGP the retrospective analysis of clinical records in participating practices in Manchester, Nottingham and Coventry demonstrated the impact of the challenge on patients and their care.
The study found that, out of the 300 discharge summaries reviewed, there had been information that had been overlooked in 46% of cases. Alarmingly, 8% of these instances resulted in harm to patients. This data underscores the critical need for important information to be made clear to GPs upon receival of clinical documents.
This study was carried out pre-covid, and pressures have only increased for GP practices since then, with higher staff turnover and longer waiting times, leaving the door open for even more mistakes to be made.
Introducing Workflow Assistant
Workflow Assistant empowers General Practitioners by providing them with a clear summary of essential top-level information pulled from the documents sent to them from secondary care services. It efficiently flags critical information such as the level of urgency, diagnosis, medication needs, and key actions required, ensuring that GPs can make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
Workflow Assistant does not negate the need to read clinical correspondence, but it presents a summary of the information intended to reduce the risk. Not only does this improve care by ensuring urgent information is seen, but by clearly presenting necessary information it also reduces the cognitive burden put on staff.
Pilot and general release
We are pleased to announce that Workflow Assistant will soon be available for GP practices across the UK. This innovative tool has already been tested in several pilot practices to ensure its effectiveness and to refine its functionality.
One practice piloting the solution are having great success so far, a user of the system comments:
‘Since integrating Workflow Assistant into our practice, we have experienced significant improvements in the filing of clinical letters, enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of our processes. One of the most significant advantages of Workflow Assistant is its ability to quickly and accurately identify when a specific workflow is needed. Previously, determining the appropriate action based on the content of clinical letters was a time-consuming task. With workflow assistant this has sped up the process, helping to identify the contents of the letter and summarising into an easy to read and follow process.’
We will continue to work closely with those using Workflow Assistant to ensure it is working optimally and supporting General Practices to deliver better care.
What’s next?
Keep an eye out for further updates on Workflow Assistant, as we are already working on the next phase in which specific clinical codes will be proved in the summary to ensure an even clearer picture of patient needs in an easily consumable summary.
Click here to find out more and contact a member of our team to discuss how Workflow Assistant could benefit your practice.