About this action

Rigid 'one problem' policies particularly disadvantage patients with multimorbidity, communications difficulties, mental health conditions, or difficulty accessing services. Restricting consultations in this way may lead to missed diagnoses, fragmented care, and increased re-attendance rates, ultimately placing greater strain on the system. Flexibility recognises that some patients need more holistic care to address interconnected issues. Approaches to implementation: - Discuss as a practice the removal of your 'one appointment, one problem' policy, even if only for Focus Patients. - Facilitate team discussions on balancing access with comprehensive care - Support clinicians to develop skills in holistically managing complex consultations - Offer opportunities for clinicians to discuss cases and how they are managing with the new system. Key benefits: Prevents fragmentation of care for complex patients, reduces multiple appointments for interconnected problems, and demonstrates understanding that health inequalities require proportionate responses.