Overview of role
As part of the wider team in general practice, General Practice Assistants (GPAs) provide a support role, carrying out administrative tasks, combined in some areas with basic clinical duties. They focus on supporting General Practitioners in their day-to-day management of patients, specifically aimed at reducing the administrative burden, making the best use of consultation time and supporting those particularly vulnerable to isolation who are regular attenders at the practice.
Development of the role depends on a range of factors – patient needs, existing skills mix, culture and having the staff, time and financial resource to invest in work-based learning, mentorship and supervision.
The GPA Role may include, but not be limited to:
- Arranging appointments, referrals, tests and follow up appointments of patients.
- Completing simple clinical observations /investigations as directed locally, such as dipstick urine, taking blood pressure, ECG, phlebotomy.
- Supporting the GP with immunisations/wound care.
- Preparing patients prior to going in to see the GP, taking a brief history and basic readings in readiness for the GP appointment.
- Completing basic (non-opinion) forms and core elements of some forms for the GP to approve and sign such as insurance forms, mortgage, benefits agency forms etc.
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients.
- Helping the GP liaise with outside agencies e.g. getting an on call doctor on the phone to ask advice or arrange admission while the GP can continue with their consultation(s).
- Sorting clinical post and prioritising for the GP. Signposting some post to other members of staff.
- Extracting information from clinical letters that needs coding; adding this to patient notes. Supporting with QOF reviews. B16.4 GPAs should also:
- Participate in an annual individual performance review.
- Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework.
- Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding their role and request professional development as needed.
- Be aware of their own professional boundaries and what to do when they are reached.
Funding
From Oct 2022, this role has been introduced to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) and will offer clinical and administrative support to GPs, freeing up clinical time to focus on patient care. The role will be subject to a maximum reimbursement equivalent of an Agenda for Change Band 4 level and the outline will be based on the HEE competency framework. Further details are outlined in the following letter sent by NHSE to GP Practices and Primary Care Network leads on 26 September 2022: NHS England » Supporting general practice, primary care networks and their teams through winter and beyond and in the updated Network Contract DES (page 116 onwards).
PCNs can immediately start recruiting to the role, predominantly through trainee positions. PCNs may claim reimbursement for the time GPAs spend delivering activities or undertaking training to deliver them.
Training/Development
Staff can be trained in-practice, with on-the-job training and development led by GPs, in line with the role outline and national competency framework. Trainee GPAs may also complete HEE’s accredited training programme, aligned to the competency framework, equipping them with formal certification of their learning. These staff are supported by a structured development programme (managed by HEE) and gain formal certification after around nine months HEE’s structured, accredited training route
A work-based learning programme has been developed that typically takes six to nine months to complete. Learning takes place in the practice, led and assessed by a GP mentor. For more information see: General Practice Assistant (GPA) Scheme 2022 – Training Hub (cptraininghub.nhs.uk)
Supervision and support
- Participate in an annual individual performance review.
- Track and record evidence of their experience against the national competency framework.
- Inform the lead GP of any concerns regarding their role and request professional development as needed.
- Be aware of their own professional boundaries and what to do when they are reached.
Further Information:
General Practice Assistant Example JD
General Practice Assistant – elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)
General Practice Assistants | Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk)