NHS Milton Keynes has announced that it will be the first primary care trust in the UK to use ratings and reviews for individual GPs.
The PCT has signed a deal with ratings website iWantGreatCare.org to collect information on local GPs.
The PCT said patients would be actively encouraged to provide feedback each time they saw their GP and that the data would be used to improve health services.
GP Dr Sarah Whiteman, who works as a part-time partner in Milton Keynes and is also a member of the PCT’s professional executive committee, said honest, genuine feedback would help Milton Keynes GPs give patients the best quality care.
She added: “iWantGreatCare is an excellent way for our patients to let us know how we are performing with relevant and up-to-the minute feedback.”
Gillian Prager, director of clinical standards and engagement at NHS Milton Keynes, said the collaboration would provide vital information for the PCT.
She added: “By sharing this with local GPs and using the information we will improve health services.”
NHS Milton Keynes and iWantGreatCare.org said they would also be working with local NHS healthcare providers, media and voluntary groups to encourage frontline clinicians to invite their patients and carers to rate and review their care.
Dr. Neil Bacon, founder and chief executive officer of the site, said NHS Milton Keynes was at ‘the leading edge’ of a movement to continuously understand the experience of care through the eyes of patients and carers.
He added: “By having a real-time view of the actual experience of their care, individual clinicians and the local NHS will be able to proactively improve their services for individual patients and their carers.”
Link: iWantGreatCare.org