Study Finds Expanding Healthcare Teams Alone Does Not Reduce GP Workload
24 Jun 2026
Study Finds Expanding Healthcare Teams Alone Does Not Reduce GP Workload
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, examined the impact of England’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), which was introduced in 2019 to expand multidisciplinary teams in primary care.
The scheme aimed to free up GP time by allowing other healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and physician associates, to take on routine services such as medication reviews, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
Researchers analysed more than 3.5 million consultations across 369 practices and found that consultation complexity increased for all healthcare professionals between 2018 and 2021.
Practice nurses experienced the largest rise in complex consultations, increasing from 12% to 18%, while direct patient care ARRS roles rose from 16% to 19%. GP consultations classified as complex also increased from 14% to 15%.
The study concluded that expanding workforce roles led to a redistribution of complex work rather than a reduction in GP workload. Researchers noted that increasing healthcare complexity, ageing populations, delayed care, and post-pandemic healthcare demands were likely contributing factors.
Siân Goodson said the findings provide important lessons for Australia as healthcare systems continue to explore broader multidisciplinary models of care.
She noted that while multidisciplinary teams can improve patient care, success depends on clear role definitions, appropriate scope of practice, strong collaboration, and continuity of care.
The study also highlighted concerns that poorly coordinated models may create fragmented care, increase duplication of services, and generate additional administrative demands for GPs.
Researchers recommended clear role boundaries, standardised referral and handover processes, stronger supervision and mentorship arrangements, and adequate administrative support to improve team-based care models.
The findings come as Australian healthcare systems continue to examine ways to improve access to care while managing increasing demand across primary healthcare services.
Study Finds Expanding Healthcare Teams Alone Does Not Reduce GP Workload
Source: British Medical Journal (BMJ) study on England’s Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS)