How access to primary healthcare is negotiated through reception calls

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Understanding the role of interaction in facilitating access to primary care

  • IRAS ID

    327112

  • Contact name

    Rachel Rahman

  • Contact email

    rjr@aber.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Aberystwyth university

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 7 months, 11 days

  • Research summary

    This research project aims to gain an understanding of how access to healthcare is negotiated through receptionist patient telephone calls to GP practices in Wales. To achieve this aim, the research will analyse naturally occurring reception phone calls to primary care practices using a technique called conversation analysis. This analysis will identify how elements of talk can best facilitate better understanding, reduce ambiguity and/or perceived barriers, and facilitate access to the most appropriate services whilst maintaining patient satisfaction. This will be achieved through a two phase project with the first phase analysing telephone interactions between patients and receptionists and the second phase using these findings to develop a training programme using the conversation analytic roleplay method. The research intends to use the data as a framework for future publications and training materials as a means of improving access to healthcare and healthcare communication with GP receptionists in Wales.

  • REC name

    London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/PR/1553

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Apr 2024

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion