Key messages
- A different way of working is required to maximise the safety of patients, clinical and non-clinical practice staff.
- Practices need to continue meeting the health needs of all their patients for non-Covid-19 related illness.
- GPs/practice health care professional (HCPs) should undertake an initial remote assessment of all patients via online/telephone.
- GPs should use video, if available, to undertake an initial examination, if technically possible and ethically appropriate.
- GPs should only see patients face to face (in the surgery or through home visits) if an initial assessment deems it essential, and adequate precautions can be taken (including using appropriate PPE). See the link below for important advice to help determine whether a face to face encounter is warranted.
- The duration of the face to face interaction, and the number of individuals who encounter the patient, should be minimised.
- Precautions, including wearing PPE, should be taken for all face to face encounters, irrespective of whether patients have or do not have symptoms of Covid-19.
There is much more very important advice, to support you in operating a safe model to deliver care, in our document: Safe Practice Policy.
We have also produced a checklist to help you to ensure that your service operating model is safe and effective.