Having the same GP keeps you healthier and helps you live longer
‘The human aspect of medical care has been neglected. Our study shows it is potentially life-saving’
KEEPING the same family doctor reduces the chance of premature death, a study has found.
A review by Exeter Medical School found that patients were more likely to complete courses of treatment, live healthily between consultations and be candid about their symptoms when treated by GPS they knew well.
But the researchers said health chiefs risked being blinded by the benefits this brings because of the fast pace of technological change.
Published in the medical journal BMJ Open, the study comes the month after an NHS survey found that seeing the same doctor was now harder than ever, despite a government pledge in 2013 to restore the “personal link” between patients and doctors.
The Exeter study into death rates and continuity of care analysed the results of 22 surveys carried out in nine countries with different health systems. Of those, 18 – 82 per cent – found that repeated contact with the same doctor over time meant significantly fewer deaths over the study periods compared with those without continuity.
Sir Denis Pereira Gray, who led the study, said: “Patients have long known that it matters which doctor they see and how well they can communicate with them.
“Until now, arranging for patients to see the doctor of their choice has been considered a matter of convenience or courtesy. Now it is clear it is about the quality of medical practice and is literally a matter of life and death.”
Professor Philip Evans, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “Continuity of care happens when a patient and a doctor see each other repeatedly and get to know each other.
“This leads to better communication, patient satisfaction, adherence to medical advice and much lower use of hospital services.
“As medical technology and new treatments dominate the medical news, the human aspect of medical practice has been neglected. Our study shows it is potentially life-saving and should be prioritised.”
The Royal College of General Practitioners said “intense resource and workforce pressures” was making the situation worse.
“Unfortunately, waiting to see ‘their’ GP means that patients may have to wait longer for an appointment,” said Professor Kamila Hawthorne, vice chairman of the college.
“Some are willing to do this but often they cannot wait – and seeing another GP or health professional in the practice team can speed up access in some situations”.