GPs work same hours but spend longer with patients

GPs in the United Kingdom are seeing fewer patients than they were 14 years ago but spending more time with each patient, a survey has shown.

The survey also shows that full time GP partners are working an average of 44.4 hours a week, similar to in 1992-3. The BMA has said that the longer consultations reflect the increasing complexity of general practice and the fact that GPs are treating more patients who used to be cared for in hospital.

Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA's GPs' committee, said, “What has changed is the way we work. Intensity has rocketed. Patient care that used to routinely take place in a hospital setting—such as diabetic care, cardiac care, and asthma care, is now routinely done in general practice. It …