23 November 2023
Recent data shows the number of processed advice and guidance (A&G) requests is on the decline due to lack of time on the part of consultants. We’ve published new standard responses to A&G requests based on the latest clinical evidence to support our members in responding to A&G requests more efficiently.
A&G services are a key part of the National Elective Care Recovery and Transformation Programme’s work to reduce pressures on hospital services. A&G provides primary care with necessary access to specialist clinical advice, enabling patients’ care to be managed in the most appropriate setting, strengthening shared decision-making, and avoiding unnecessary outpatient activity. NHSE plans to expand A&G by insisting GP use it as a first choice for cases in a new national strategy due to be published in December.
Recent internal NHS data seen by HSJ shows that the number of A&G requests processed fell by 28% and the number of processed cases resulting in a patient being diverted fell 32% from June to August 2023, while the overall number of requests from GPs only fell 5% over the same period. HSJ says this recent data amounts to a “collapse in performance”.
It is thought the drop in processed requests and diverted referrals is due to the lack of time consultants have to respond to requests. Responding to A&G requests can take up a significant amount of consultant time and many do not have protected time to do so. In August 2023 alone, there were over 140,000 advice and guidance requests processed in the NHS.
We’ve published our standard responses to A&G or other specialist advice requests to help you save time responding to requests bringing together key information on the management and diagnosis of a range of conditions commonly referred to rheumatology. They are based on the latest NICE and BSR guidelines along with best practice and can easily be adapted to reflect your local services and individual patient circumstances.
We will be publishing further resources for paediatric and adolescent rheumatology in the new year.