EConsult


eConsult is a medical app developed by the Hurley Group.
In June 2018 the practice announced that it planned to use the eConsult online system for most consultations. This enables patients to submit their symptoms to a GP electronically, and offers around the clock NHS self-help information, signposting to services, and a symptom checker. 12 GPs are using eConsult and it is planned to recruit 12 more, so patients will only be seen in person where necessary. 340 other practices are also using eConsult, a majority of the 479 GP practices are expected to have implemented an online consultation system by April 2018.

Research on effectiveness

Research pubished in 2018 in the British Journal of General Practice described a qualitative study of general practices in the West of England that piloted the e-consultation system. It concluded that "the technology, in its current form, fell short of providing an effective platform for clinicians to consult with patients and did not justify their financial investment in the system."