Improving Efficiency in the UK Medical Profession: The Need for a Faster System

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Medical
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the efficiency of the UK medical profession, particularly regarding the speed and effectiveness of treatment within the National Health Service (NHS). Participants express concerns about waiting times, the impact of socialized medicine, and comparisons with healthcare systems in other countries, including the US and the Netherlands.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with the slow pace of the UK healthcare system, noting that non-critical cases could potentially be expedited to allow individuals to return to work.
  • Others highlight the significant investment in NHS IT systems, questioning their effectiveness in improving appointment booking processes.
  • Comparisons are made to the US healthcare system, with conflicting views on treatment access for uninsured individuals.
  • Participants discuss the long waiting times for minor treatments in the Netherlands, contrasting this with quicker access to care in southern Germany.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of socialized medicine on the motivation of healthcare providers, with some arguing that it removes profit incentives, while others claim it leads to inefficiencies and increased bureaucracy.
  • One participant notes that recent changes have complicated the healthcare delivery model, resulting in longer wait times and increased paperwork for doctors.
  • There is mention of how contractual obligations for doctors can impact patient care, with examples of practices that prioritize meeting targets over timely appointments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the UK healthcare system or the implications of socialized medicine. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the motivations of healthcare providers and the efficiency of different healthcare systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the healthcare systems in different countries, and there are unresolved questions regarding the impact of administrative processes on patient care. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and opinions without definitive conclusions.

wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,411
Reaction score
551
In the UK it is so slow, bless them they are so over worked ,but i would have thought that non critical cases, where one could be returned to productive work would be an objective,
it seems not be the case ,it seems once you are in the system you are at their mercy, no matter how long it takes, yes this is a rant, but as i am one in the system i wish i could get out of it.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
But look on the bright side, after spending £20B on NHS It systems at least you can book your appointments online (well - if the system worked and your GP and hospital were cooperating you could).
 
In the US, if you don't have coverage, they'll leave you to die peacefully in the waiting room.
 
NeoDevin said:
In the US, if you don't have coverage, they'll leave you to die peacefully in the waiting room.
No, you get treated in the ER in the US, even if you can't pay.
 
wolram said:
In the UK it is so slow, bless them they are so over worked ,but i would have thought that non critical cases, where one could be returned to productive work would be an objective,
it seems not be the case ,it seems once you are in the system you are at their mercy, no matter how long it takes, yes this is a rant, but as i am one in the system i wish i could get out of it.

Tell me about it. The waiting lists in The Netherlands are extreme to get some 'minor'-non threatening things done. Half a year is nothing. I must say though, the situation is completely different in (south) Germany. You got a problem? Threatment in a few days at the most
 
Andre said:
You got a problem? Threatment in a few days at the most

And what do they threat you with? :biggrin:
 
wolram said:
In the UK it is so slow, bless them they are so over worked ,but i would have thought that non critical cases, where one could be returned to productive work would be an objective,
it seems not be the case ,it seems once you are in the system you are at their mercy, no matter how long it takes, yes this is a rant, but as i am one in the system i wish i could get out of it.

Doesn't socialized medicine take the profit out medical practice? If so, what is the stimulus to get you healthy faster?
 
Last edited:
Moonbear said:
And what do they threat you with? :biggrin:

Got me there :-p I'll never get used to the finesses in the English language where to put the completely insignificant 'h'. For instance in "were" or "where" or treat, threat, treath. too much for me. Anyway, when you go to the docter with a certain problem you may have to wait six month in the Netherlands, wereas (typo) in South Germany they ask if next week monday would be okay.
 
larkspur said:
Doesn't socialized medicine take the profit out medical practice?
No it makes all the doctors overpaid civil servants, in addition almost all surgeons and specialists operate a private practice as well.
Recent 'improvements' have made it worse - most GPs practices are now businesses that provide local health care and contract services to local hospitals through an insanely complex series of rates and formulas.
This meant that the first doctors to do this could jump the waiting list queues for their patients as part of the insentive deal to setup as independent service providers. And once all GPS are independent then they can all jump the queue - which of course doesn't work.
So now you are back to the old system, except there is twice as much paperwork, everything takes longer and the doctors have very nice BMWs.

If so, what is the stimulus to get you healthy faster?
The only stimulus now is to hit the targets imposed by the contract.
As an example, my doctor abandoned apointments - just turn up and we will see you in turn. Since the number of people the doctor can see per shift is fixed and since you typically end up waiting an hour anyway - why not wait an hour to see them today instead of watiing an hour in 3 days time.
This was stopped because it meant they fell behind on their appointments target and so would lose their service provider contract.
 

Similar threads

Job Skills Astronomer to Med Physicist or Dosimetrist - UK or US
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Admissions How to get a Medical Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Physics Will Automation Decrease Job Opportunities for Medical Physicists?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Medical Biology/medical question about estrogen foods/drinks
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Medical Olympic Russian Curler Busted for Performance-Enhancing Drug
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Physics How to become a Certified Medical Physicist in the UK?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
COVID Medical Science, Medical Ethics, COVID-19
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Medical Physics in the UK: Coming from overseas?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
The chemistry/physics of saltatory nerve conduction
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Virtual Doctor's Visits - Do/Would You Use Them?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K