We’re pleased to share an important new update from NHS England, the launch of a diagnostic assessment tool designed to help GP practices review and enhance their care navigation, clinical triage, and digital workflows.
Developed and tested with more than 540 GP practices across England, this new tool supports practices to understand how effectively their systems work and identify opportunities for improvement in patient access and operational efficiency.
What the New Tool Does
This practical, evidence-based tool has been designed to make it easier for general practice teams to:
✅ Assess what’s working well in their current processes
🔍 Identify and prioritise areas for improvement
🔄 Strengthen end-to-end patient journeys through effective care navigation and triage
The tool is accompanied by an updated “How-to” Guide, a hands-on resource built from two years of research and learning with GP teams. It includes case studies, templates, and step-by-step guidance to support practices in implementing changes that lead to measurable improvements in patient experience and practice efficiency.
Why It Matters
As demand on primary care continues to grow, the need for modern, efficient systems has never been greater.
This new diagnostic framework gives practices the structure and insight needed to:
Improve care coordination and patient flow
Reduce unnecessary workload pressures on clinical teams
Deliver more responsive and equitable access to care
Strengthen digital-first pathways that align with the NHS’s Modern General Practice model
Explore the Tool and Guidance
You can now access both the assessment tool and the updated guidance via the NHS England website:
Next Steps for Practices
Whether your practice is already embedding care navigation or just beginning the journey, this resource offers a clear, structured starting point to assess your current systems and plan for sustainable improvements.
Take time to explore the tool with your team, reflect on what’s working, identify the gaps, and use the guide to take the next step toward modern, patient-centred general practice.
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