A general practitioner (GP) is a family doctor who provides primary care to patients of all ages. GPs are usually the first point of contact with NHS healthcare services and can assess, treat, and refer patients to specialist services as needed. They hold a comprehensive view of a patient’s health, managing ongoing conditions alongside acute problems.
After a cardiac arrest and hospital discharge, the GP plays an important coordinating role. They can prescribe and review ongoing cardiac medications (such as beta-blockers, statins, and ACE inhibitors), provide sick notes and coordinate phased return to work, and make referrals to services such as cardiac rehabilitation, mental health support, or community physiotherapy.
GPs can refer patients experiencing psychological difficulties after cardiac arrest, including PTSD, depression, or health anxiety, to NHS Talking Therapies or specialist psychological services. Patients can also refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies without needing to see their GP first.
It is important for cardiac arrest survivors to register their event with their GP even if follow-up is primarily being managed by a hospital cardiology team. The GP needs to be aware of the arrest, any implantable cardioverter defibrillator that has been fitted, and any driving restrictions that apply, so that the full picture is reflected in the patient’s records. GPs can also access specialist advice from cardiologists via the NHS Advice and Guidance service without necessarily requiring a full outpatient referral.
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