Experience of implementing and delivering group consultations in UK general practice: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundGroup consultations are a relatively new concept in UK primary care and are a suggested solution to current workload pressures in general practice. Little is known about the experience of implementing and delivering this approach from staff and organisational perspectives.AimTo explore the experience of implementing and delivering group consultations in general practice.Design and settingQualitative telephone interview study.MethodTopic guides explored the perspectives and experiences of general practice staff on the implementation and delivery of group consultations. Data analysis adopted principles of the Framework Method underpinned by Normalisation Process Theory.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 8 GPs, 8 practice nurses, 1 nurse associate, 1 practice pharmacist, 1 deputy practice manager, and 1 healthcare assistant. Four themes were identified: sense making of group consultations; the work associated with initiating group consultations; the experiences of operationalising group consultations; and sustaining change. Group consultations made sense to participants as a mechanism to reduce burden on primary care, enhance multidisciplinary working, and provide patient-centred care. Implementation required strong leadership from a ‘champion’, and a facilitator had a pivotal role in operationalising the approach. The associated workload was often underestimated. Barriers to embedding change included achieving whole practice buy-in, competing practice priorities, and system-level flexibility.ConclusionGeneral practice clinicians enjoyed group consultations, yet significant work is required to initiate and sustain the approach. An implementation plan considering leadership, roles and responsibilities, and wider organisational support is required at the outset. Further research or evaluation is needed to measure process outcomes.