Would you Skype your GP?

I like the idea.

I think that any system that gives you a chance of 'seeing ' a Dr is a bonus.

Yes sounds like a great idea as long as its not used to replace actual face to face consultations when they are needed.

Tanith, not as a replacement service. As a supplement.

You phone the GP to book an appointment, they'll ask if you'd like a Skype appointment. Receptionist puts you in the queue as normal and then when it's your turn the GP will phone you back. If they think you need to come in you'd book another appointment. If you didn't like the idea of using Skype you'd make a regular appointment as normal.

It is already being used by some GP practices in London, I've heard.

Grannyknot,
It's been trialled in several places. Not heard any bad reviews of it yet. That's why we're pushing to have it happen in Colchester.

How good would the "picture" be?
When I skype, the picture is rather poor.

What do GPs think about it?

Most times they take your blood pressure etc.

It would be of limited use I would have thought.

They can't examine you properly over the phone. I think having very well trained experienced triage practice nurses might be more useful as a first port of call.

The link below is a NHS factsheet titled ‘A brief guide to Skype remote consultations’
www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/qipp-digital-technology-and-vision/documents/QIPP%20DT%20Skype%20Factsheet%20v1.pdf
A Channel 4 interview with GP about how consultations work. Interview held over Skype.
www.channel4.com/news/nhs-doctor-skype-video-embarrassing-bodies
A brief guidance for service users from Cavendish Health Centre
www.cavendishhealth.nhs.uk/website/E87745/files/SKYPE_APPOINTMENTS.doc
Example Skype appointment with Diabetes Nurse Specialist.
vimeo.com/65422393
The only bad two words I found to say about it!
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rachel-carrell/why-skype-is-not-the-answ_b_2190380.html

What is your angle to it ChristopherLee?

I may be being cynical here, but are you set to gain financially?
Are you trying to get ideas from us, so that you are ready for any questions that may come your way?

[I may be wrong here, but I am begining to wise up to how some people operate].

Absolutely- but depends what for- common sense really. Of course s/he can't listen to your chest, or your heart on Skype- but can look at a rash or a sore, or listen to symptoms, etc, and give advice. That advice may well be that s/he needs to see you in person as Skype is inadequate in this case and offer an appointment. Absolutely brillaint way to cut down on travelling and time, etc.

Soontobe, the picture is dependent on the hardware used and not something that is easily remedied. When I say easily I mean cheaply!

Nelliemoser, Agreed they can't do a lot of things over the phone. Should the GP decide they want to poke you some they can always ask you to come in.

Would it be any use for follow up appointments once a doctor has seen you already and just wants to chat about repeat prescriptions or similar?

Is it worth the time making this happen?

Getting through to our GP practice is hopeless .you phone up in the morning,a voice says all our receptionists are answering phones and after so many rings the phone switches off. You have to start again. It's easier on line and then it's usually about three weeks away or next week with the wet behind the ears locum. Fine if you can tell someone exactly what is needed with the help of dr. Google but I end up thinking I'm on the way out as I believe everything I read

Soontobe, A cynical but perfectly understandable point of view!

I don't stand to make anything out of it. I'm a gardener by trade. I'm tired of our local MP, councillors with their head up their arses if you'll please forgive the expression. I might run against our local MP in 2020 so some good karma would be nice but that's about it.

Soontobe. You said yourself your PC is old.

Our practice already asks you if you would like a phone appointment - we live in a rural area with a very scattered population. I think skype (assuming your equipment was up to scratch) would be a useful addition. Mind you the download speeds are pretty useless round here and you would spend your whole time trying to hear and see what is going on.

nellie there is a worse shortage of practice nurses than GPs ...

As a resident of Colchester who has had to resort to telling the receptionist that it is an emergency or a personal matter just to get an appointment to see a GP or has queued at the Walk In Centre, I think Skype is an excellent idea.
Maybe it need not be a GP on the other end, but an experienced triage nurse who could assess what we really need to do.
It would stop us Googling ourselves to death.

As for the shortage of practice nurses Grannyknot, maybe it could be a job they could do from home. Maybe retired nurses or those with young families.
But, thinking about it, although a good idea, it would all come down to money...

No. It's an awful idea. I hate Skype. I look awful on it. I won't Skype my own family if I can help it. I hate the way you can see a little picture of yourself all the time. And, like soon as said, it's unreliable.

Oh please abandon the idea!

I'm sure the doctor would over prescribe as I always look so haggard! He might even send an ambulance round!

That's a point! Attention-seeking worried-well types could apply makeup of a deathly pallor with dark shadows under eyes - even fake rashes!

Thank you all for your input.

Sorry jinglebells, I read this as a confirmation I should continue.
Bonus is you don't have to use the service.

As the wife of a former GP who did all his own on-call for most of his career- I like to say again, brilliant idea and so simple- and very easy to trial too without adding expensive systems.

It's only a matter of time.......