A public survey has been launched by the Scottish Government to find out what the public wants from a new GP independent contractor model.

The consultation is part of a parliamentary inquiry into the future of NHS primary care.

It will ask whether the independent contractor model of general practice is the best way to provide services and gather opinions on the use of technology – such as video consultations and wearable devices – as well as access, and the role of the wider primary care team.

The public will be asked how they feel about having consultations with other members of the GP practice team such as pharmacists, nurses and physiotherapists.
The survey closes at the end of April, after which the inquiry will continue by gathering oral and written evidence in answer to the public responses.

Dr Carey Lunan, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, added: “We need a conversation with the public about what matters to them when they access services through the GP practice. We know from an annual survey of our members that many patients are confused about the changes that are happening in primary care, so this inquiry is very important and welcome.”

Chair of the British Medical Association Scotland’s GP Committee, Dr Andrew Buist, says: “We have set a new course for the GP profession through the new contract that has been in place since April.

“We firmly believe the contract and these multi-disciplinary teams working together to deliver the care that most effectively meets the needs of the patient is the foundation on which we must build the future of primary care.”