International survey shows UK general practice to be world
class
GPs in the UK are leading the world in caring
for patients with complex problems, according to an international
survey of healthcare services in 11 high income countries.
The survey measured UK performance compared to Australia, Canada,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United States across a set of five main areas.
The UK came out top, equal top, or near the top in most of the 27
indicators.
The UK results showed that:
- 88 per cent of respondents felt care quality was
excellent/very good
- 81 per cent said they had a health professional they could
easily call for advice
- 69 per cent reported good patient-doctor engagement in
care management for chronic conditions
- 77 per cent said that their regular doctor encouraged
questions and explained things clearly
- 79 per cent were able to see a doctor or nurse on
the same or next day
RCGP Chair, Dr Clare Gerada said: “This is wonderful news for
primary care and for patients.
“The Commonwealth Fund Survey shows yet again that the excellent
work carried out by GPs in the UK is recognised worldwide, leading
the field in providing quality, joined-up care. The NHS stands out
internationally as an example of excellence, and general practice
is what makes the NHS safe, fair and value for money.
“Every day, we are confronted with negative press stories about
what is wrong with the NHS but this is a good news story that all
GPs and their teams can be proud of.
“If the current reform of the NHS is to achieve anything, it
must preserve and build on the strengths of general practice by
producing more GPs, who are trained for longer so that we can do
even more to improve the health of our patients."
Antony Chuter, Chair of the RCGP Patient Partnership Group,
said: “GPs are the most trusted people in society. Over one million
patients have consultations with GP teams every day and this is a
real vote of confidence in the care they receive.
“We often take the NHS for granted but comparisons like this
show how fortunate we are to have good care, free and available to
everyone.”
The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that supports
independent research on health policy reform and high performance
health systems.
Download the Commonwealth Fund survey 
ENDS
Further information
RCGP Press office – 020 3188 7574/7575/7576
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more
than 44,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We
work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general
medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education,
training, research and clinical standards.