A recent study has revealed that one in three Britons is now living with multiple illnesses, and GPs are struggling to keep up with the growing demand. An analysis of 10 million NHS health records shows that doctor appointments now take 32% longer than they did two decades ago, with the average consultation lasting nine minutes, compared to under seven minutes in 2005. This increase in time is largely due to a rise in patients requiring treatment for multiple conditions, a phenomenon referred to as “multimorbidity.”
Millions of individuals are dealing with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, often linked to unhealthy lifestyles. These conditions frequently occur together, placing further strain on GP practices. Despite record numbers of appointments, doctors are seeing individual patients less frequently than in previous years.
The study, conducted by Birmingham University, highlighted that by 2019, 44% of the population had no serious long-term conditions, while 16% had three or more chronic illnesses, up from 10% in 2005. In total, 32% of people were living with two or more health issues, compared to 23% in 2005. Patients with more health problems demand more of doctors’ time, contributing to the increasing pressures on primary care.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, noted that while medical advancements have allowed patients to live longer, many now suffer from multiple long-term conditions that require continuous monitoring and care. Although GPs are skilled in managing these complex health needs, the growing workload and shortage of workforce make it increasingly difficult to provide the necessary care.
In a related Ipsos poll, only 51% of patients reported having sufficient time to discuss their health concerns with their GP, with many finding the standard 10-minute appointment inadequate. Additionally, Blood Pressure UK has warned that an estimated four million under-65s in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, heightening their risk of heart disease and stroke.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, it is becoming more challenging for GPs to manage patients with multiple chronic conditions, leaving primary care under significant strain.
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