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Frontline GPs unconvinced by clinical commissioning

Frontline GPs unconvinced by clinical commissioning
20 June 2014



Only a quarter of frontline GPs think clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have improved clinical work, a survey from the British Medical Association (BMA) has shown. 
Findings from a the BMA survey were revealed at a recent Westminster Health Forum event. 
However, the survey did show that many GPs feel more engaged with CCGs than they had been with primary care trusts (PCTs). 

Only a quarter of frontline GPs think clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have improved clinical work, a survey from the British Medical Association (BMA) has shown. 
Findings from a the BMA survey were revealed at a recent Westminster Health Forum event. 
However, the survey did show that many GPs feel more engaged with CCGs than they had been with primary care trusts (PCTs). 
The survey found that 10% of GPs felt empowered as members of their CCGs, but over 25% "just did what they are told" by the CCG. 
Two thirds said they felt they did not have influence over their CCG. 
One in ten said they were able to challenge CCG decisions, but one in five was not aware they could challenge decisions made by the CCG. 
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA GP Committee chair presented the results. 
He said: "We broke down the response from those who lead CCGs, board members, and everyday GPs. When you ask the question, are CCGs improving care for patients if you happen to be a board member you overwhelmingly think, 'Gosh we really are making a great change for our patients improving care'. 
"But if you ask your grassroots GP they don't seem to feel that way."
Dr Nagpaul said the situation must be addressed, warning CCGs to learn from the past failure of practice-based commissioning.

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