Virtual GP Consultations and Prescription Services in Ireland—Bridging Gaps in Medical Access

1. Virtual GP Consultations and Prescription Services in Ireland—Bridging Gaps in Medical Access Premise This is a presentation by Irish telehealthcare provider Get Healthcare, demonstrating the nationwide impact they’ve had with their GP online services like virtual consultations, sick note approvals and online GP prescription services in Ireland. This feature outlines the key attributes of a hybrid healthcare model that prioritises a flexible and patient-centred approach to keeping well. To see a doctor when you are ill. It sounds like the simplest access everyone should have. Yet still, it is becoming a grappling strain for general practitioners across Ireland to grant appointment bookings holistically. Because they are overflowing, and a shortage of available GPs is quite a big concern. A recent publication by the European Data Journalism Network indicates a decline in the number of GPs, with just over 4500 of them clinically active throughout 2023 and the present

2. day. It puts an average of 100 extra people for each GP to attend to within their catchments. So the gap requires at least 6,000 more GPs to meet the demand. The technology and trends of digital healthcare providing online GP services in Ireland have emerged, not only as a means of convenience but also as a critical piece of the solution. With GP online services like virtual consultations, prescriptions and medical certificates, a vital part of healthcare can be managed without the need for in-clinic appointments, i.e., “minor illnesses”. Digitally Treatable Illnesses: A Supplement to Critical Care Get Healthcare’s GP consultations and online GP prescription services in Ireland deliberately support a hybrid healthcare model by triaging and offloading routine or straightforward consultations. This process strategically helps free up in-person capacity for more complex care and medical emergencies. Crucially, these platforms don't aim to replace in-person GPs. Instead, they supplement it. Streamlined candidature is managed with an in-depth symptom questionnaire and medical history reviews for patients to meet eligibility criteria for virtual appointments and get the GP’s signature on prescriptions to be processed digitally with the pharmacies. The entire ecosystem is supported and optimised by IMC-registered GPs and PSI-registered pharmacies to ensure a consistent and patient-centric system that promotes wellness and accurate evaluations. How Online GP Services Work for Minor Illnesses and Refill Prescriptions As a matter of fact, medical emergencies, or chronic and severe illnesses, cannot be treated remotely via online GP services in Ireland. The patient must be present at the clinic or hospital for in-person evaluations. On the other hand, for conditions when the patient just has to see a doctor for follow-up care, get refill prescriptions or simply get a checkup for hay fever, they can be reviewed online. As Ireland’s traditional healthcare continues to face a broad workforce challenge, a big part of the administrative burden is distributed through hybrid care models in Ireland. Below are the strategic implementations of processes that are making this model work for the masses: ● Clear regulatory and safety frameworks backed by Irish-registered healthcare professionals and pharmacies

3. ● Detailed self-care guidelines with a clear understanding of the candidature and the limitations of virtual healthcare, and when to seek in-person GP visits. ● Access to data, like KYCs, medical history and past appointments, encourages continuity of care through the hybrid healthcare models ● Well-monitored and licensed online GP prescription services in Ireland reduce the risk of overuse and ensure security against counterfeit drugs. ● 24/7 GP availability, along with same-day prescription services in Ireland, extends the window for seeking medical attention round the clock. It reduces the burden of traditional appointment times. Online GP Services in Ireland – Milestones of the Telehealth Roadmap (2024–2027) The HSE is putting all the effort into streamlining its Telehealth Roadmap (2024–2027). To embed digital care into Ireland’s traditional healthcare, a big part of the process is to stratify a structure of application. We at Get Healthcare are prepared to feature such detailed stratifications through our digital ecosystem. It is integrated through touchpoints of digital evaluation, certification, reimbursement and integration of GP online services in Ireland for reuse. We strive to comply with future adoptions of technological processes and techniques of how we use data, promote digital security and follow solid clinical standards and regulatory compliance.