Question 1

How easy is it to sign up?

Accepted Answer

Sign up takes less than five minutes.

Question 2

How quickly can you take part?

Accepted Answer

The tool is available to use as many times as you want following sign up.

Question 3

Does it involve everyone in the practice?

Accepted Answer

Everyone in the practice will need to know what and why you are using the tool but only staff members that interact with Patient demand will input into the tool.

Question 4

Does the tool hold patient information?

Accepted Answer

No, it doesn’t.

Question 5

How long does it take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

Once signed up you can use the tool as and when you would like. However, we suggest a good timeline to work to is four weeks. Week one & two – communication. Week three – familiarisation. Week four – data capture.

Question 6

How many times can we use the tool?

Accepted Answer

You can use the tool as many times as you want within a one year period.

Question 7

How much is it?

Accepted Answer

A yearly cost of £2000 per practice regardless of patient list size.

Question 8

What if my practice has branch sites?

Accepted Answer

If your practice has branch sites and you would like a separate report for each then these are available, at sign up, priced at an additional £1000 per site.

Question 9

Is there a cap on practice size?

Accepted Answer

No, the tool is available for all practices at the same cost.

Question 10

How long does it take to capture the information?

Accepted Answer

Around 5 – 20 seconds per patient interaction

Question 11

How long do you have to capture the data for?

Accepted Answer

One week with all staff members that interact with Patient demand.

Question 12

How long does it take to get familiar to use the tool?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, we suggest using the week before data capture to get familiar with the tool and the questions it asks. Up to 10 patients is sufficient.

Question 13

Does the tool help with communication?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are lots of email templates, tutorials and video guides.

Question 14

Can the tool be used across a whole PCN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The advantage of having all practices use the tool across the whole PCN is comparison data and the ability to share improvements at scale.

Question 15

If you have a problem using the tool, what support is there?

Accepted Answer

The tool has an interactive chat function for queries and frequently asked questions.

Question 16

Can the tool be used across a whole ICB?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The advantage here, like the whole PCN, is comparison and sharing. Above that the ICB can request access to a live dashboard, additional cost, to monitor and assess individual key performance indicators (KPI’s). We suggest this information is used to support practices with their opportunities rather than performance management.

Question 17

How quickly can you get the report?

Accepted Answer

The automated analytical bespoke report is available within 72 hours.

Question 18

How is the report displayed?

Accepted Answer

This is a live report that can also be saved and shared as PDF.

Question 19

I’ve got the report, now what? Do we get help after?

Accepted Answer

The report sets out your areas for improvement and what would need to change. If the practice does not have internal capability and capacity to implement the changes support is available through several means. 1. ICB Transformation support. 2. The NHS England General Practice Improvement Programme (GPIP)  or external support organisations like Develop Consulting Ltd

Question 20

Can my practices' branch sites have separate reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if requested each site would have it’s own report alongside the whole practice report.

General Practice Demand & Capacity Optimisation Tools UK

Frequently Asked Questions