How genuine are your efforts as a practice to actively seek feedback from your patients about where you can improve? Though it can be tempting to run away from constructive criticism, in the long run, we’re almost always better off knowing where we stand and how we can improve. Although it may take a little determination, it’s possible to get around the ostrich effect. Suggested changes can add real value to our practice and to our professional lives.

I’m sick and tired of being surveyed after every interaction with anyone these days. So how do you cut through all that noise to get patients to fill in your survey, whether it be to fulfil the requirements of accreditation, or for your everyday quality improvement activities in the practice?

Regularly addressing feedback as a team can solve a lot of potential headaches well before the potential of a 'snowballing out of control' effect! A weekly check-in with your team will give everyone the opportunity to better understand how your patients perceive your practice.

Often the number one complaint we get in general practice is having to wait. In our modern busy lives, the unpredictability of a medical practice can be difficult to accommodate. As a practice it’s easy to just throw our hands up and say there is nothing we can do. But some practices (and GPs) do seem to have better on-time performance. We have put together some tips you might not have thought of (or need reminding about!) for helping the practice run on time.

Just as a new year brings us the opportunity to refresh and refocus on our health and wellbeing – starting back after a break allows us fresh focus on those little things that frustrate us at work. So why not embrace the opportunity for change and spend a little time working on your business rather than just in it this new year.