Short GP appointment times 'hit diagnostic ability', survey claims

Some 43% said a lack of time with patients affects their ability to diagnose, while 57% said they have less time with people than five years ago.

Exactly half said short appointment times affect their ability to do their job, while just 7% are confident it has no impact.

Most GPs (89%) would like 20 minutes per patient - double the current standard of 10 minutes each.

The study, from insurer Aviva UK Health, also found that 96% of GPs use the internet for their daily work.

Some 85% said they use online tools to help them diagnose patients, but only 5% said this is because they are pressed for time.

GP Dr Hugh Laing, who worked on the study, said: “Our research shows that GPs are over-stretched and this can affect the quality of support they are able to offer their patients.

“Web-based technology has revolutionised the way we all work and fast access to high quality information can be an invaluable support for patients and professionals but ultimately there is no substitute for a thorough assessment by a qualified GP and, from our research, this is clearly not happening in many cases.”

Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA’s GPs committee, said: “The BMA, and many patients, believe appointment times should be longer because we know GPs would like to have more time to care for their patients.

“However, that means we would also need more GPs, otherwise it will just become harder to see a doctor because there would be fewer appointments available.”