GP rating sites — out there and unfair

The number of websites allowing patients to post reviews of the care they receive from their GP practices is increasing. But doctors say that many reviews are unfairly negative and even abusive, with GPs often unable to respond to anonymous reviewers, as Peter Blackburn finds out 'It is very easy to be a popular doctor, but it’s much harder to be a good one.’ That is the warning of Leeds GP Richard Vautrey, as the profession is left increasingly open to criticism on TripAdvisor-style websites where care, compassion and life-saving expertise are rated by patients as if they were restaurants or hotels. Government-run ratings website NHS Choices has given patients the chance to have their say about health services since 2007, with ratings out of five given for staff and practices — and anonymous messages left permanently for all the world to see. In just nine years since its formation, the site has grown to 48 million views a month, according to NHS figures. And in recent years, several privately operated alternatives have sprung up — offering to guide patients through their choices. But concerned doctors say the websites are leading to abuse, personal attacks and libellous comments — and could even pressure staff into providing treatment that isn’t in the best interests of patients in order to satisfy their demands. The concerns all come while GPs face an increasingly strained working environment.   Misleading ‘Practices have had g...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news