Promoting online services

Version 1.3, 27 March 2025

This guidance is part of the Online patient facing services section of the Good practice guidelines for GP electronic patient records.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to promoting online services in general practice.  To provide effective, efficient and equitable care, practices should consider the need for inclusive access.  Patients should know that they can access care and advice online, on the phone and in person, and that their care will be provided in the most appropriate way, regardless of the method they choose for first contact. 

Practices must also ensure that the services provided online are safe and secure, and that they meet the needs of their patients.

The range of available online services for patients will continue to develop over time.   You can find full information about online services for patients and how to promote them, with some helpful resources, by visiting the NHS England pages on GP online services

The NHS England Modern General Practice Model and General Practice Improvement Programme pages also provide some helpful context and guides to support practices with online services