About this action

Continuity of care improves health outcomes, particularly for patients with complex needs, mental health conditions, or those who have experienced trauma. Enabling patients to see their preferred GP builds therapeutic relationships essential for effective care. Approaches to implementation: - Reserve some slots specifically for continuity appointments with regular patients - Allow GPs to book patients for follow-up to enable continuity (See CONT_03) - Train reception staff to ask patients if they have a preference and accommodate where possible - Monitor which Focus Patients repeatedly request specific GPs and proactively facilitate this - Balance continuity with timely access by offering choice: "see preferred GP in 3 days or any GP today" Key benefits: Strengthens therapeutic relationships that improve health outcomes, reduces repeated explanations of complex and/or traumatic histories, and demonstrates that the practice values patient preferences and relationship-based care.