When is a GP not a GP? The ‘othering’ of new GP roles

Initially it was GPs who opted not to become partners who became 'other'.Making a positive choice to be a clinician without managing a business, owning premises, and employing staff was less worthy of respect, a 'non-principal'. 1,2t-of-hours (OOH) GPs have also been subject to 'othering'.OOH work, while attractive because of its flexibility with clear boundaries, does, however, bring the challenge of managing urgent problems, sometimes without access to medical records, in the absence of long-term patient relationships.Despite being rated as higher 'risk' for indemnity, it is still viewed as an inferior form of general practice.Recently this skillset was rebranded as 'urgent care', with dedicated courses, and is receiving the respect it deserves in managing unscheduled demand both OOH and in-hours, including working for 111 in England. 3 Digital GP roles have also been treated with disdain, described as 'transactional' and consumerist, without continuity. 4,5owever, these roles can include care to a registered NHS patient list or a non-list-based service to private patients.The devil is in the detail.Some digital roles may be limited in scope, for example, in urgent care; however, increasingly digital roles provide the full scope (all ages, acute and chronic illness, and preventative care) just without the face-to-face contact.