Changes in patient experience associated with growth and collaboration in general practice: observational study using data from the UK GP Patient Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background For the last few years, English general practices — which are, traditionally, small — have been encouraged to serve larger populations of registered patients by merging or collaborating with each other. Meanwhile, patient surveys have suggested that continuity of care and access to care are worsening. Aim To explore whether increasing the size of the practice population and working collaboratively are linked to changes in continuity of care or access to care. Design and setting This observational study in English general practice used data on patient experience, practice size, and collaborative working. Data were drawn from the English GP Patient Survey, NHS Digital, an..