New Roles in General Practice and Primary Care: Working Together for Health Equity and Patient Empowerment

A practical guide that showcases the diverse range of roles within the UK primary healthcare system. The new roles in primary care, such as paramedics and mental health practitioners, are not well understood by medical professionals or patients. This book discusses the full range of current roles and suggestions about how best to support them working within the primary care team to deliver safe, efficient, compassionate primary care. It also includes a wealth of case studies that highlight best practices and shows how common challenges in provision of care can be better handled, making this a must-read for GPs, other NHS doctors, allied healthcare professionals, service commissioners, and patients who want to understand who is supporting their care.

About the Author :
Clare Etherington is a longstanding GP and GP Educator. She was Primary Care Dean North West London for Health Education England (HEE, 2015-2021), which included the development of ARRS (additional roles) and support for allied roles such as practice nurses and community pharmacists. Clare has given presentations and run workshops at national and local conferences and committees including for the Royal College of General Practice (RCGP). She is interested in health equity and in patient-centred care. She works in London, UK.

Review :
A book written from the heart by someone who walks the walk and talks the talk every day. A must read to understand the complexity of Primary Care, its workforce and why we must ensure that we have the appropriately trained staff to help deliver modern general practice. An informative and timely resource, Clare Etherington's New Roles in General Practice and Primary Care: Working Together for Health Equity and Patient Empowerment offers a vital and detailed view of the valued professions that comprise our expanding multidisciplinary primary care teams, highlighting the essential role we all play in working towards health equity. This brings to life the complexity and value of the role of the nurse within primary care. It highlights the impact that the ARRS have had on the recruitment and retention of nurses. This book explores the expanding roles in primary care, highlighting the vital contributions of allied health professionals such as social prescribers, health and wellbeing coaches and care coordinators. Clare has provided invaluable insights and emphasises the importance of collaborative care in enhancing patient outcomes, improving access, and addressing the evolving needs of diverse communities within the healthcare system.