Exam Pass Notes

Download (Word)

Appointment Pathway Basics

• Practices use different appointment types, workflows and modes because requests vary in urgency, clinician need and context.
• Slots may be defined by timeframe, clinician role, consultation mode, location or the required workflow.
• Always follow the current local booking guide rather than relying on memory, habit or personal judgement.
• If slot names, workflows or pathways are unclear or out of date, report them to a supervisor or manager.

Timeframes and Planned Care

• Same-day and urgent work must follow the practice process and escalation route.
• Routine slots must not be used to conceal urgent requests or clinician-identified same-day needs.
• Follow-up bookings should reflect the clinician's instruction, including timeframe, clinician role, mode and whether tests are needed first.
• Planned reviews are used for long-term condition recalls, medication reviews, monitoring or when a clinician specifies a review.

Team, Admin and Home Visit Routes

• Team-based routes can involve nurses, pharmacists, FCPs, mental health practitioners, social prescribers or local partner services.
• Admin tasks such as form completion, fit notes, prescription requests, medication reviews and test-result queries often follow task or workflow routes rather than appointment slots.
• Home visit requests are usually triaged by a clinician or visiting pathway; do not promise a visit unless the practice process authorises it.
• If a request does not fit an available route, escalate it instead of forcing it into an inappropriate slot.

Consultation Modes and Safe Records

• Consultation modes include online or written communication, telephone, video, face to face at the surgery and face to face at home.
• Mode decisions must follow local rules and clinical instructions and take account of accessibility, privacy, digital access and accurate contact details.
• Safe booking confirms identity, contact method, appointment type, mode, any access needs and who will manage the handover.
• Record failed bookings, unclear routes and repeated pathway problems so the practice can review and improve processes.