Pulse

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Debates

Should GPs have contractual responsibility for commissioning?

11 Aug 10

The huge changes ahead will only be effective with a GP contract that includes commissioning responsibility, says Dr Jonny Marshall. But Dr Brian Balmer argues that coercion might well threaten the innovation that GP commissioning could...

Is general practice a level playing field for women?

09 Jul 10

Dr Tonia Myers believes general practice is a fantastic option for women wanting to combine family life with a rewarding career. But Dr Clarissa Fabre says until pregnancies become cost-neutral for a practice the temptation to discriminate...

Could removing QOF indicators damage patient care?

17 Jun 10

Professor Helen Lester's recent research on US clinical incentives suggest removing them QOF indicators could have mean a decline in clinical care. But Dr Terry McCormack argues that care can only start to improve when some indicators are...

Should Government pay for remediation if GPs fail revalidation?

26 May 10

Acute trusts will pay for remediation to keep senior clinicians working but that's not such an easy option for practices says Dr Brian Keighley, while Dr Mary McCarthy argues that if GPs pay for their professional exams why not remediation?

Should the QOF incentivise continuity of care?

23 Feb 10

QOF targets for continuity might be tricky to arrange, but would rebalance the framework in favour of the doctor-patient relationship, says Dr Matthew Ridd. But Dr Carolyn Tarrant believes they would do exactly the opposite, by eroding trust...

Was the Government right to scrap the 18-week waiting time target?

09 Jul 10

Dr Jonathan Steel says the 18-week target is not primarily responsible for the reduction in waits, and has had serious unintended consequences. But Dr Jennifer Dixon argues the 18-week target is a vital safeguard, and that its removal may...

Should GP appointments be at least fifteen minutes?

09 Jul 10

Dr Beth McCarron-Nash says moving towards 15 minute appointments – or more flexible times – is a logical way to improve patient care. But Dr John Chapman insists the suggestion is bot5h impractical and unecessary

Are NHS 24 and NHS Direct a waste of money?

09 Jun 10

Yes- argues Dr John Havard, as too many patients end up seeing their GP anyway. No- says Dr Brian Gaffney, the evidence is growing showing these services save the NHS money

Is it the end of the road for PMS?

14 Apr 10

PMS was a contract of its time, but now looks outdated and is set to be a victim of the economic crisis, says Dr Jane Lothian. But Dr Peter Smith is robust in his response, insisting PMS will survive and thrive provided GPs withstand bullying...

Should pharmacists be allowed to switch GP scripts to generics?

17 Feb 10

Generic substitution is just the kind of safe but money-saving medicine that the NHS needs, argues Dr Andrew Perry. But Dr Peter Fellows disagrees, insisting that the policy would damage compliance and harm the pharmaceutical industry

Should GPs commission out-of-hours services?

10 Feb 10
Will paediatric GPSIs fragment the care of families?

27 Jan 10
Should GPs publish their practice accounts?

25 Nov 09
Should GPs play a role in assisting a patient's death?

11 Nov 09
Should practice boundaries be scrapped?

14 Oct 09
Should patients be charged for GP appointments?

23 Sep 09

Can the Summary Care Record ever deliver for primary care?

03 Feb 10
Are entrepreneurial GPs good for general practice?

09 Dec 09
Should general practice accept its share of NHS cuts?

18 Nov 09
Are online GP rating systems good for general practice?

04 Nov 09
Do GPs have a duty to have the swine flu vaccine?

07 Oct 09
Should the UK introduce a polypill?

16 Sep 09