GP Patient Survey 2007/08

If you are already familiar with the GP Patient Survey, you can go straight to the information you need via the task list.

If you are new to the survey, we recommend you read our what, why, how and where sections below.

What is The GP Patient Survey?

The GP Patient Survey (GPPS) was conducted for the second year in 2008. The results of the first survey were published by the Department of Health (DH) in 2007 and may be found on The Department of Health website

The GPPS was commissioned by the DH and was conducted on behalf of the DH by Ipsos-MORI. Download the 2008 data processor agreement between DH and Ipsos-MORI - November 2007 (PDF)

Why do we have The GPPS?

The GPPS was developed to collect information to reward GP practices according to performance on elements of patient access to GP services and choice of hospital services.

How is it measured?

The survey measures GP practices' performance against the standards set out in the Directed Enhanced Services (DESs) - known as 'Improved Access Scheme' and 'Choice and Booking'.

The GPPS comprises a suvey on access and a survey on choice.

  • the access survey: almost two million people registered at GP practices in England responded to a questionnaire which asked how easy or difficult it is for them to see or speak to a doctor, or access services at their practice
  • the choice survey: over a quarter of a million people who were referred to hospital by their GP responded to a questionnaire which asked if they were offered some choice of hospital for their appointment.

GPPS results trigger reward payments to practices signed up to the DESs.

Where do I view the results?

Results of the GPPS are available in three formats:

  1. GPPS 2007/08 online database

    Browse the online database and report generator to find the results for your local surgery. You can also view a summary of its access survey results.
  2. GPPS 2007/08 reports

    Read the national commentary and summary reports, covering the access and choice surveys.
  3. GPPS 2007/08 data tables

    View the data tables of survey results in Excel spreadsheet format.

Survey methods and guidance

Ipsos-MORI has produced technical reports on the survey methods for the access and choice surveys:

The following guidance documents were issued by the DH, prior to the GPPS being conducted: