With the effects of the government spending review yet to take place, doctors are feeling the pressure of increasing patient numbers and responsibility.
Aviva's fourth annual Health of the Workplace report which surveys employers, employees and GPs on topical employment issues and challenges facing workplace health, found over 51% of GPs admit the lack of time affects their ability to do their job.
Moreover, 43% say that the limited time they have with their patients affects their ability to provide a detailed diagnosis and offer wider healthier lifestyle advice. This is a concern as there is a strong connection between lifestyle and future illness.
Worryingly, 65% say they feel ill-equipped to provide Fit Notes to the UK workforce. Despite the initiative now being live, this is only a1% increase from the 2009 Health of the Workplace study. When asked about the effectiveness of Fit Notes, 68% of GPs say they feel that Fit Notes won't cut absence levels. This compares to 54% last year prior to their introduction.
Launched following the Government's Spending Review, the report highlights that asking doctors to save between £15bn and £20bn of their budgets is only likely to add to this strain and emphasizes the need for continued collaboration between Government, the health service and key industry leaders.
Dr Doug Wright, principal clinical consultant at Aviva commented: "It is clear to everyone that the economy has been struggling for the last few years. These tougher conditions have led to difficult decisions having to be made, reflected in the recent spending review. The scale of the reforms has led to considerable debate and whilst important, we hope that the focus on patients and health outcomes will not be lost and continue to drive the reform process.
"It is also important that the wellness agenda is maintained - as well as empowering individuals and businesses to look after their employees and to be accountable for it, there are far reaching societal benefits and it will also help to control central costs."
