Researchers have confirmed the benefits of seeing the same GP over time, finding that these include improving patient health, extending intervals between visits, and resulting in a reduction in the doctor’s workload.

Led by a team from the University of Cambridge and Insead Business School, the study found that having a long-term relationship with a doctor, and seeing the same doctor during GP visits – a model known as continuity of care – meant people waited on average 18% longer between visits, compared with patients who saw different doctors each time.

Less GP time was taken in each consultation, they said, and the findings were particularly strong for older patients, those with multiple chronic illnesses, and people with mental health conditions.

Although it will not always be possible for people to see their regular GP, the findings would translate to an estimated 5% reduction in consultations if all practices in England provided the level of continuity of care of the best 10% of practices, they added.

“Importantly, if patients receiving care from their regular doctors have longer intervals between consultations without requiring longer consultations, then continuity of care can potentially allow physicians to expand their patient list without increasing their time commitment.” ….more