Accessing primary care

Doctor and medical network connection with modern virtual screen interface in hand on hospital background

Traditionally the access of primary care began with informal discussions with administrative staff in general practice but with the increasing complexity of care and the growing pressure on general practice these processes are rapidly evolving. Digital platforms are being rolled-out to provide patients with direct access to health resources, new models of remote triage are being introduced and roles such as care navigators are being created. care navigation. However, little is known of the implications for patient outcomes, practice safety, staff well-being, and job satisfaction.

Theme leads

Shelia Greenfield

Theme lead
Professor Shelia Greenfield

Professor of Medical Sociology

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Ian Litchfield

Theme lead
Dr Ian Litchfield

Research Fellow

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Aims

  • To understand the implications of the new models of primary care access for commissioners, primary care organisations and staff charged with new roles and whether there are measurable benefits to service provision. 
  • We are also keen to explore the attitudes and experiences of patients, the impact on clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction 

Team

  • Professor Sheila Greenfield, Professor of Medical Sociology, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences
  • Dr Ian Litchfield, Research Fellow, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences
  • Dr David Shukla, Clinical Research Fellow, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Publications

Understanding the invisible workforce: lessons for general practice from a survey of receptionists. Litchfield, I., Burrows, M., Gale, N. et al.  BMC Prim. Care 23, 230 (2022).

From policy to patient: Using a socio-ecological framework to explore the factors influencing safe practice in UK primary care. Litchfield I, Perryman K, Gill P, Campbell S, Avery T, Greenfield S,. Soc Sci Med. 2021 May;277: 113906

The future role of receptionists in primary care Litchfield IJ, Gale N, Burrows M, Greenfield S Br J Gen Pract 2017; 67 (664): 523-524

A quantitative assessment of the parameters of the role of receptionists in modern primary care using the work design framework.Burrows M, Gale N, Greenfield S, Litchfield I.BMC Fam Pract. 2020 Jul 10;21(1):138. doi: 10.1186/s12875-020-01204-y.

A protocol for the use of process improvement methodologies to explore primary care receptionist work Litchfield I, Gale N, Burrows M, Greenfield S BMJ Open (2016);6

Contact

Professor Shelia Greenfield - s.m.greenfield@bham.ac.uk