Abstract
Highlights in Update 99
In this update the authors have concentrated on the patient’s chapter. In these days of stress caused by regulation, box ticking and bureaucracy, it can seem that some patients are interpreting the business of General Practice. However, it has been shown that engaging patients and using community assets within our populations can actually aid the running of our practices. This chapter updates recent technical and contractual obligations relating to patients including online access and the Friends and Family Test. It also looks at some best practice around appointment systems and dealing with socially excluded groups. In these difficult times it is easy to forget that General Practice is here for its patients. Hopefully this chapter will give pause for reflection on how we are all doing in meeting our patients needs.
Wishing all our readers the best
Junaid Bajwa, Ninaj Patel and Mo Ali
From the HOPM team
Let us know what you like and dislike about the handbook so that we can do our best to continue to make it a useful and meaningful aid to managing your practice. Our aim is to provide a more flexible format that can adapt to the ever-changing environment of primary care within days, or even hours, of those changes becoming known. Contact Sarah Young, SAGE Publications, 1 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, T 020 7324 8600; E
Accessing HOPM online
The online content is now hosted by HighWire, so it will be necessary to re-register your online access W http://hpm.sagepub.com/. You will be required to enter your subscriber reference number, which will be indicated on your invoice, or a copy of the address label/carrier sheet that comes with each update. If you cannot locate your invoice or address label/carrier sheet, then email: E