Online and telephone access to general practice: a cross-sectional patient survey

Background Improving access to primary health care in the UK has focused on use of telephone and online access, but little is known about how awareness varies between different patient groups. Aim To determine patients are interacting with channels for accessing general practice services information, analyse this according characteristics status. Design & setting A cross-sectional self-administered survey adult practices across West Midlands, UK. Method Descriptive statistics were used show participants’ interaction information sources remote access. Multivariable logistic regression was model relationships demographic characteristics, alternatives face-to-face consultations (for example, telephone). Results total 2789 (19.0% response rate) from 43 participated. The study found 60.8% ( n = 1651/2715) participants aware 30.3% 811/2674) reported having one. Daily internet usage frequently visiting GP showed strongest associations knowledge services. Conclusion shows that there potential inequitable populations. Given their greatly increased owing COVID-19 pandemic, future service design will need ensure equity taken into account.