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Read the new Gastroenterology Advice & Guidance


The NHS has seen major changes to outpatient services in recent years, accelerated by adopting remote consultations and telemedicine during the pandemic.
This guide provides advice and templates for a key aspect of outpatient services, Advice and Guidance (A&G) which is also known as Specialist Advice Services. A&G is one of a number of tools that are available to promote closer working between primary and secondary care with the aim of improving and streamlining patient care. A&G can support GPs to provide optimum gastroenterology support to patients closer to home, aided by guidance from specialist gastroenterology teams.

The importance of clinical care governance and risk being shared between primary and secondary care is key when having A&G conversations and this is covered in detail in this guide and linked resources. Repeated patient referrals regarding the same condition may require a more personalised approach with the GP and patient to resolve, which may include an outpatient appointment with secondary care. This is essential to ensure patients receive the best possible care and that good relationships are maintained between primary and secondary care and with the patient.

A&G is one of the crucial elements to efficiently performing outpatient services. This guide will support 
trusts to implement best practice and to empower patients through shared decision-making, whilst minimising unnecessary and inefficient outpatient activity.

Please click here to read this resource. 

This document outlines how to login/join FutureNHS and how to access the GIRFT workspace if you are having difficulties. If you require any further support accessing this material, please contact [email protected].

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