It’s remarkable for a quote that seems almost modern in politics, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but it seems he was quoting John Lydgate of Suffolk, writing in the fifteenth century, “You can’t please all of the patients, all of the time.”
OK he said people, not patients, but the point is made. You’d be mad to try and please all of the patients, all of the time, because whatever you do, some won’t like it, and that’s the thing about people. Perhaps that’s what makes us interesting.
Having said that, “Happier Patients” is one half of our motto and it is of utmost importance for us to do what is best for patients in the quality of service both we and the doctors provide. We ask patients directly for their feedback to help us achieve that.
In our version 2 askmyGP we’ve had over 4,500 patient comments from 105,000 episodes in the last 18 months. They have been overwhelmingly positive, with some negatives and some suggestions, and they have been a big part of our design process for version 3.
One difference is that where we used to collect feedback when the patient submitted the request, in the new version it’s done after the request has been completed. Ah, we thought, all those complaints based on the patient not believing it possible would vanish, and positivity would go up.
So far (first 4,000 episodes) it hasn’t quite worked out like that. We’ve structured the feedback very simply. The killer question is whether the new system is Better, Same or Worse, and the figures as I write are 98, 4, 27.
Yes, it’s overwhelmingly positive, and I’d love to share all the comments with you but even though we ask patients not to enter personal details, sometimes they do so we can’t do a real time feed. Some examples are below.
But I know what you’re thinking. I’ve been working with GPs for over nine years now and if I may be allowed a little over-generalisation, you’re really interested in the negatives. (btw academics are worse. They couldn’t find the silver lining in a solid silver tea service, present company excepted of course).
What’s interesting is that with the 21% who say it’s worse we are picking up reactions not only to askmyGP (though some are, and there were a couple of technical issues), but mainly to patients’ views of the GP. The main driver for negatives at 16/27 is very poor on “solving your problem”. It might be that something went wrong with the process, there was a delay, or the patient just didn’t like what the doctor said. Well, it happens, and you can’t please all of the patients all of the time.
Anyway, it’s good to see that 76% of those responding say the new system is better, while for those of you who think they are trumped by the 21%, you are amply justified in doing nothing.
Everyone can enjoy our star comment of the week, from a fellow Yorkshireman. This is only the opener and the rest has had to be moderated for family viewing, but you get the gist: “Whoever thought of this stupid idea wants a good kicking up the arse.”
Bless.
Harry Longman
PS Some of the feedback this week:
“Very good service it’s been amazing when I’ve needed advice for my children never waited longer than an hour for reply”
“far easier using this system than actually going through the surgery reception” male 28
“The new system is so much better, especially if you only want to ask a question rather than seeing a doctor. Massive thumbs up 👍” female 45
Thoughtful for others: “Ok for those who are familiar with the use of computer systems but I have concerns for elderly who would have no idea how to use a computer” female 70
