1. Practitioners with Special Interests GPSIs

2. The NHS Plan (July 2000) envisaged that by 2004 ;
‘ upto 1000 specialist GPs will be taking referrals from fellow GPs for conditions in specialities such as ophthalmology , orthopaedics, dermatology and ear nose and throat surgery,. They will also be able to undertake diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy’ (ch 12 ,para.7

3. Improvement, Expansion and Reform : Priorities and Planning Framework (Oct 2002) states that by 2006 there will be an increase in:
‘activity taking place in primary and community settings to contribute to the national assumption that at least one million more outpatient appointments ( around 10%) take place in the community rather than the hospital ‘

4. Two broad categories of activities that may be undertaken by GPwSIs :
Delivering a clinical service
Undertaking of procedures

5. The Big Idea
Allowing GPs to deliver a clinical service beyond the normal scope of general practice ,undertake advanced procedures , or develop services
Increase the capacity of primary care to undertake outpatient appointments
Reduce patient waiting times
Provide a more convenient service
Free up consultant time in secondary care

6. IMPLICATIONS Expansion of the physical capacity in primary care
Premises
One-stop shops
Diagnostic and treatment centres

7. Which Specialties? Care for older people Child protection
Coronary heart disease
Dermatology
Diabetes
Drug misuse
Echocardiography
ENT
Epilepsy
Headaches
Mental health
Musculoskeletal conditions
Palliative care
Respiratory medicine
Sexual health

8. Guidelines No particular training courses DOH and RCGP framework
Process of accreditation by employer
Determines the core competencies to deliver the particular service, and the evidence required to demonstrate that a GP has met these competencies , and the criteria for their maintenance .

9. Further Information www.natpact.nhs.uk/specialinterests