Looking for an easier way to reach your GP? Many GP practices use eConsult. Here, we’ll cover some of the most common questions people have about using eConsult, so you know exactly how it works, how safe it is, and why it is used by many practices.
eConsult is an online consultation service designed by NHS GPs to help you access medical advice quickly and easily. It’s a digital tool that allows you to submit medical or administrative requests to your GP practice without having to go in person. By filling out an eConsult form, you provide the practice with the details they need to decide the best way to help you.
With eConsult, you can:
Who can use it? eConsult is available to patients of all ages, from 6 months old and up. Parents or guardians can submit eConsults for kids aged 6 months to 16, while adults can use it independently.
Using eConsult is designed to be straightforward. Here’s what happens step-by-step:
1. Submit Your eConsult
You’ll start by visiting your GP practice’s website and filling out the eConsult form, where you’ll answer questions about your symptoms or request. This only takes a few minutes.
2. Wait for a Response
Once submitted, your GP will review the information by the end of the next working day (or sooner if urgent).
3. Receive Advice or Next Steps
Your GP practice may then:
Yes, your data is secure with eConsult. Here’s how they keep it safe:
eConsult is designed to streamline the whole experience, meaning you get the care you need without delays.
No, repeat prescriptions should still be ordered through your GP practice or the **NHS App**, which lets you manage your prescriptions online.
Not everyone is comfortable with digital services, and that’s okay! eConsult isn’t the only option for getting help from your GP practice, and using it frees up phone lines for those who prefer to call or visit in person.
No, eConsult is not for emergencies.If you report serious symptoms in an eConsult, the system will advise you to seek urgent help through A&E, NHS 111, or another relevant service.
Despite the many benefits that eConsult has introduced to the market, many practices and ICBs are looking for alternative systems to eConsult.
eConsult's product has been relatively static, with a limited EMIS integration and a small amount of new product development compared to the likes of Accurx.
The system is not especially popular with patients, who complain about the length of time taken to complete an online eConsult, nor clinicians, who find the information contained in a request overwhelming.
Consequently, over the last 12 months, nearly 2,000 practices have stopped using eConsult, switching to alternative providers. One of these is Hero Health, whose Care Navigation triage product allows for greater practice-level configurability than eConsult and is simpler for patients to complete.
If you're looking for a new triage solution, then why not check out Hero.
