HUNDREDS of patients across Weymouth and Portland have reported their experiences of GP services during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of a scheme to help practices improve the way they communicate.

Around 1,900 from the area took part in the Patient Participation Group (PPG) survey.

The aim of the survey is to give patients a voice about how they believed GP services had reacted to the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of how they use resources.

Peter Greensmith, chair of the PPGs across the area, said: "Covid has had a massive impact on both patients and those working in the health service.

"Large sections of healthcare have paused, but people’s lives and their health needs have not.

"In addition to an online survey, we sent out a paper questionnaire to those who may not be connected to the internet."

The survey found 24 per cent of the population are not connected online and do not use the internet.

However, 56 per cent are willing to receive emails on health matters, with 43 per cent happy to receive via text message.

Also, 21 per cent of respondents were not confident in using the phone for consultations - this increased to 28 per cent for people with a disability. Of these 89 patients would prefer face to face consultations.

"We believe the findings can help GPs improve communications with patients," said Mr Greensmith.

"The survey highlights the issues many patients have with the NHS technology.

"We have also suggested we work with the GPs in the Weymouth & Portland network (PCN) on a number of themes coming out of the report to help the practices improve.

"Patient experience is an important element of judging the quality of a health service."

The survey also found 50 per cent of people aged over 75 are also unconnected to the internet. The survey stated 70 per cent of this age bracket are not interested in using the internet, 38 per cent do not have the skills or confidence, 24 per cent do not have the equipment, 12 per cent are concerned over security, 11 per cent do not use it due to cost, while five per cent have a disability which make use difficult

It was revealed 82 per cent of respondents have a landline and 71 per cent a mobile.

The survey data is broken down by individual GP practice, so each one can identify opportunities to help improve how they communicate with their patients.

The project was funded by NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group. The data collections, analysis and report was managed by Darmax Research.

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