The role of GPs in the UK has changed dramatically in recent years, with primary care facing immense pressure. Worrying findings from a recent Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) report revealed that nearly a quarter of GPs feel so stressed they can’t cope, around once or twice a week.
As a practicing GP I witnessed first-hand the inefficiencies that increased pressure on clinicians and their admin teams. In 1999, I founded a tech company with the vision of reducing administrative burdens for all primary care professionals. Today, 60% of UK GP practices use our tools – regular engagement with them gives us a unique insight into the pressures on the primary care system and the factors driving GP burnout.
- Long working hours: The traditional 40-hour workweek is rare in general practice, with many GPs working far beyond this threshold due to extended hours, weekend clinics, and out of hours commitments. Without a sustainable work-life balance, burnout becomes inevitable. The RCGP survey revealed that 56% of GPs who were considering leaving the profession would reconsider if their clinical workloads were reduced.
- Challenges in secondary care: Widespread inefficiencies in secondary care, such as delayed appointments, referrals being rejected, and a shortage of generalist expertise, place increasing pressure on GPs. Many find themselves handling cases that should be managed elsewhere, adding to their workload.
- Limited time for patient interaction: Many GPs find that increasing targets and appointment pressures mean they now spend less time with each patient than ever before. The shift towards same-day appointments has also disrupted continuity of care, preventing clinicians from building long-term relationships with their patients. This reduction in meaningful doctor-patient interactions can lead to frustration, and a sense of lost purpose.
- Patient safety concerns: The relentless pressure of limited appointment times and growing patient lists can compromise patient care. Many clinicians feel they don’t have the time needed to properly assess complex cases. This not only affects job satisfaction but also raises concerns about the quality of care being delivered.
- Evolving patient expectations: The demand for instant access to healthcare is growing. Today’s patients expect quicker access to healthcare, and more immediate responses. The shift towards digital health monitoring and virtual consultations, while beneficial, has added a layer of complexity to GPs’ responsibilities.
- Mental health crises: The emotional toll of general practice is profound. According to NHS Practitioner Health, which offers support to primary care clinicians, around one in 20 GPs in England are currently using mental health services. Many are accessing the service because of feelings of guilt, shame and anger and not being able to deliver the care their patients deserve. The weight of this emotional burden is driving many GPs to reconsider their future in the profession.
- Pressure to adopt new technologies: The push towards integrating advanced technologies such as AI and digital health tools, while promising, adds pressure to GPs who may not feel adequately trained or prepared for this shift. To ensure healthcare staff feel confident and capable when adopting new systems, it’s crucial for all tech firms to provide comprehensive training and support as standard.
- Workforce shortages and operational challenges: With an increasing number of GPs leaving the profession and fewer new doctors entering primary care, the remaining workforce faces significant pressure. The shortage of staff not only increases workloads but also forces GPs to take on additional responsibilities, contributing to stress, longer working hours, and a heightened risk of burnout. At the same time, many practices struggle with operational inefficiencies due to a shortage of experienced practice managers and gaps in IT and leadership skills. Poor management structures can exacerbate workload pressures, making it even harder for GPs to cope.
- Financial strain, resource limitations, and unrealistic targets: The financial challenges facing general practice have intensified, with a reported loss of £660 million in GP funding over the past five years. Inequities in the funding model mean that some practices are disproportionately affected and struggling to maintain services with limited resources. At the same time, GPs face increasing pressure to meet rigid targets that often prioritise the number of patients over the quality of their care. These financial and operational constraints mean GPs must manage more patients with fewer resources while trying to meet targets that do not always reflect real-world clinical needs.
- Regulations and compliance: GPs are increasingly burdened by regulatory requirements and compliance protocols, which often involve meticulous documentation and adherence to stringent guidelines. These administrative demands, while essential for maintaining care standards, consume valuable time and add to the stress of already overworked clinicians.
Addressing the root causes of burnout requires systemic changes within the healthcare system, including reducing administrative burdens, enhancing mental health support, and employing tried-and-tested technologies that empower rather than overwhelm clinicians.
When implemented thoughtfully, technology can play a pivotal role in alleviating burnout by streamlining workflows, reducing administrative tasks, simplifying compliance, increasing time with patients, and restoring work-life balance.