Computing, data, and the role of general practitioners and general practice in England

Abstract

Due to the burgeoning utilization of health data by general practitioners (GPs) across England's vast network of general practices, an impressive total of 6,514 establishments were operational in January 2022, each boasting at least one GP, delivering community-centric healthcare services. The application and monetization of patients' personal health data was implemented, leading to a trend among GPs and practice personnel where they tended to perceive and address patients as fragmented entities instead of holistic individuals. This could potentially carry significant implications. It posits that as data usage catalyzes service transformations, it becomes imperative to focus on recalibrating and fortifying the nurturing relationships with patients that have traditionally distinguished the role of GPs. A suggestion is proffered for further exploration to ascertain the adequacy of protections surrounding the privacy of patients' personal data.