What is eConsult?
eConsult is the most widely used digital triage tool in NHS primary care, built by NHS GPs for NHS patients, designed to enhance patient access, improve practice efficiencies and signpost patients to the right place at the right time for their care. Live in over 3013 NHS practices, eConsult gives millions of patients access to their own GP online.
Tollgate Medical Centre have changed their way of managing our patients in the most suitable way possible
As a GP practice, hundreds of people come through our doors every day – many of whom are already more vulnerable to disease and illness.
So, where possible, we’d like to limit the number of people that visit our GP surgery – if there are other ways to give you the care and advice you need.
We have an exciting new platform available to help protect our staff and our patients – it is called eConsult.
eConsult is an available online consultation provider – available to help manage your conditions & symptoms, from the comfort of your own home.
The platform has many key features, such as;
Self help resource
You can read up about your condition/symptoms from a trusted resource and be certain that the information that you are reading is correct.
Pharmacy advice
You can read up about the different medications that can be taken for any symptoms/conditions you may be experiencing. In addition, find a local pharmacy that is near you.
Administrative request option
Submit any type of administrative request or query directly to your GP surgery to action & send back to you.
Condition templates
Specifically created condition templates for non-urgent conditions. Complete the set of questions & submit the form to the practice to then respond to.
General advice template
A template specifically created in case you are unable to complete one of the many specifically created condition templates.
Local services embedded
When you select on a relevant condition template, the platform will give you the option to seek advice from local services where appropriate (giving you the option & choice)
Paediatric content
If you have a child or are under 16 years old, there are specific condition templates available for them.
Photo uploads
Within the eConsult templates, you have the option to submit an image (where appropriate) to ensure your GP has the most accurate understanding of your condition.
Search feature
If for any reason you are unable to find your condition within the condition templates, there is an option to search for your symptoms/condition. For example; if you are unaware of what your symptoms are related to then you can search for something along the lines of ‘belly pain’. The platform will then create a list of all the condition templates that are relevant to your search.
How does eConsult work?
eConsult is easy for patients and practices
eConsult lets you consult with your NHS GP online by completing a quick form that is sent and reviewed by the practice. You can also be directed to patient self-help, pharmacy advice and local self-referral services.
Benefits
You’ll wonder how you did without it!
- You may not need a trip to the surgery and their query may be resolved with a phone call
- There is no need to change surgery to get digital first access. You complete an online GP consultation with their own practice when you need to
- You can check their health symptoms online and receive on the spot medical advice and treatment guidance thanks to NHS content. This part of the eConsult service is available 24/7
- You can check their health symptoms online and receive on the spot medical advice and treatment guidance thanks to NHS content. This part of the eConsult service is available 24/7
- You can send a question to your GP through eConsult from 07:00 to 10.00 and 13:00 to 16:30 on Monday to Thursday, on Fridays forms will close at 16:00. You will get a response from your own NHS GP practice by the end of the next working day or sooner. PLEASE NOTE: eConsult availability may vary depending on how many forms we receive into the practice on any given day, this is to ensure safe practice.
- You are not able to send your GP an eConsult over the weekend, when you should instead contact the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 will put you in touch with the out of hours doctor If your problem needs GP assistance over the weekend.
- Access wherever and whenever you want from any device. Unlike a telephone call, you can complete an eConsult at a pace that suits you.
- You can request sick notes and test results without the need for an appointment. Saving you time.
Top Tips for using the eConsult platform
- Try to choose the specific medical condition you wish to consult about – if you know or are fairly certain what condition you are suffering from. Please select “Adult health problems” for example. Once this has been selected, you can search for your specific condition template or select “All problems A-Z”. If you can’t find your health problem, you can choose “request other advice”.
By completing a specific condition template, this provides us with the most appropriate information for your condition. Please answer as fully as possible – they help inform the doctor, who is reviewing your consultation. - Please include nominated pharmacy if a prescription is likely to be required – If you think the doctor may prescribe medication for you please include the name of your preferred pharmacy when answering this section. This will help us to direct your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.
Equalling in one less visit for you – avoiding you from having to come to the practice before going onto the pharmacy. - To attach a photo you must pick a specific condition. Please include a photograph whenever you think it will be useful. This is especially important if you have a rash so we can more easily reach a diagnosis. Read this article to find more information on how to attach a photo to an eConsult!
- Try to only select the ‘Request other advice’ ONLY when you are unable to find your condition from the condition list or if you are unsure on what your condition is.