Issue - meetings

General practice continues to evolve in response to increasing patient demand, workforce shortages, and the need for more efficient care pathways. Automation tools, such as Rapid Health Smart Triage, are being introduced to help practices manage demand, improve access, and ensure patients are directed to the right care at the right time.

This report sets out:

·           The challenges general practice faces and the need for change

·           Why practices have moved from eConsult to Rapid Health Smart Triage to support their access transformation

·           How automation to support access is being adopted and embedded in Surrey Heath and Farnham practices

·           Early experiences from Surrey Heath and Farnham, including successes and areas for ongoing improvement.

Automation is an enabler in the transformation to establish more sustainable general practice models. Its role is to reduce unnecessary manual processes, improve triage, and ensure patients receive care in the most appropriate setting while preserving personal interactions where needed.