Most GPs have a high clinical workload and struggle to process all their paperwork. This leads to long work hours and the risk of missing an important detail. Some practices delegate administrative work to other professionals but they then require supervision. Head hunting one of the 35000 GPs who are not on a provider list to do this work makes more sense. One GP administrator can manage 3 front line GPs administrative workload. 

GP administrators are GPs who have stepped back from front line clinical practice. They often work from home and require little supervision. They have their own professional insurance and can interpret test results and letters, make clinical recommendations and write referral letters. They are comfortable with speaking with patients and have the time to provide emotional support. 

They are used to working autonomously and providing advice to empower GPs rather than add to their workload. As they only need speak to a few patients a day they can take time to develop rapport. This improves the chance the patient will comply with the GP’s plans and reduce DNAs. They can add clinical experience to the team and their holistic approach means that they will notice gaps in care.

AI tools are being widely used by GP administrators to support their work from differential diagnosis to creating easier to read text. AI can be used as a second pair of eyes to identify issues that might have been missed by humans. AI is not reliable enough to replace humans but can collaborate effectively. 

Cost is a key consideration and GP administrators add significant value to the practice. Their experience allows them to work faster than other practitioners because they recognise patterns and know what to do. They can ensure that patients are prepared before they see the GP, reducing the number of GP consultations needed to sort the problem. The consultations are simpler as much of the complex work has already been done. 

It takes about 14 hours of GP administrator’s time to cover a full time GP and they charge up to £50 per hour. The savings to the practice will include reduced need for locums, less appointments for GPs and GPs freed up from administration. In most cases the cost will be neutral and may even save money. By allowing GPs to focus on their clinical duties they will suffer less stress and burnout. 

Dr Mark Burgin BM BCh, MA (oxon), MRCGP has over 35 years of experience in hospital medicine, general practice and medical legal work. Registered as a GP with GMC but not on a performer list and enjoys office work. He undertakes GP knowledge tests every 5 years and has improved his performance from 73% to 82%. Medical legal experience has included how to avoid clinical negligence, GMC processes and completing forms correctly.