To inform its work, the Inquiry panel commissioned a research project to examine whether there are hidden inequalities in access or treatment, and how this might be measured. The project also assessed the role of general practice in reducing inequalities in their local community. Tackling inequalities in general practice experience explores evidence of different patient experiences, for example, by class, age, gender or type of condition. The paper’s lead authors are Patrick Hutt, GP and Clinical Associate, Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL, and Stuart Gillmore, Research Fellow, The King’s Fund.

Leave us your comments below and read the research report when it is published later in the summer.

In March 2010 the Inquiry held a seminar on inequalities with participants including GPs, practice nurses, NHS executives, health academics and patient representatives.

Key issues raised in discussion include:

• What measures would enable general practice to be more proactive in identifying population sub-groups who are not seeking care or not being referred?
• How can primary care trusts facilitate greater interaction between general practice and other public services for a more ‘holistic’ approach to reducing health inequalities? 
• Are child health and prevention the key to addressing inequalities?

We’d like to get your views on how important you think tackling inequalities is for good-quality care in general practice. What do you feel about the key issues that have been raised as a result of the work we have commissioned? Should reducing inequalities be a priority? And do you think there are key points that have been overlooked in the debate? Your comments will help to inform the Inquiry’s final report.

Please share your views with us, and others, by leaving a comment below. However, if you’d prefer to comment privately please email gpinquiry@kingsfund.org.uk