New rules that force general practices in England to accept online queries from patients during core working hours are already risking harm to patients and increasing GPs’ workload and stress, a survey indicates.
More than half (55%) of general practices polled in a BMA survey said online consultations were having a negative effect on patient care.
Some 1341 practices responded to the survey, around 22% of England’s total number. Together, those practices represent almost 14 million registered patients.
The Department of Health and Social Care dismissed the data, saying the survey involved a “small minority of GP practices” and did not reflect the national picture.
Read full article (paywalled).
Source: BMJ (20 November 2025)
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment