Overview

• A University of Southampton systematic review of 33 studies finds that patients overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face appointments with their chosen GP over pharmacists or nurses.
• Continuity of care emerged as essential for maintaining trust, with confidence scores dropping when patients were redirected or received phone consultations instead of meeting their regular GP.
• Study participants called for simpler booking systems featuring clearer phone options, shorter recorded messages and more streamlined online appointment routes.
• Separate findings from a British Social Attitudes survey reveal only one in five people are satisfied with GP services, highlighting demand for reforms aligned with patient priorities.
• Following the government’s 10-year health plan, initial NHS App enhancements and GP recruitment pledges have started to roll out ahead of a detailed workforce strategy later this year.