What is the GP patient survey?
The survey is run by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Department of Health. The questionnaire is sent to a random sample of patients asking questions about their experience of using general practice (GP) services. The survey focuses on the 
key issues that are important to patients, including access to appointments, opening hours and the quality and efficiency of staff and services.
When does it happen?
The survey is sent out quarterly to a different set of patients who are randomly selected to take part. Follow-up reminders are sent to those who have still not responded, two months later, unless they have registered to opt out of the process.
Analysis and reporting of the results takes place during April and May each year.
Primary care trusts (PCTs) and practices have access to the results, once the full results are published.
How do GPs get the results?
GPs have access to the anonymised statistical results for their practice but they do not have access to individual answers. Like PCTs, they only have access to the results once the results have been published.
Who is expected to participate?
Approximately 5.5 million registered patients are invited to take part and participants are randomly selected from each UK practice. Response rates are expected to be around 35 per cent.
Participation in the survey is voluntary and no-one is surveyed more than once a year. Patients under the age of 18 are excluded from the survey, as well patients who have registered an objection with their GP to receiving mailings or have opted not to respond.
Why is there a patient survey?
The survey is part of the Department of Health's ongoing work to make the NHS more responsive to patents' needs and to improve patient experience. It also assesses how well individual practices are meeting targets for patient experience as set out in QOF. The survey is also used by PCTs to calculate practice achievement of QOF patient experience indicators PE7 and PE8.
Is confidential data collected and if so, how is it protected?
Personal data that is collected includes the patient NHS number, name, address, date of birth and gender. Confidentiality is taken very seriously and the survey upholds the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Once analysis of the responses is complete, all sample data is securely destroyed.
What's the process for participants responding?
Respondents can complete the questionnaire by telephone or online, in 14 languages including English. The questionnaire is available in braille and large print on request, and in British sign language on the GP patient website.
Where can respondents get help and advice?
More details about the survey, including a detailed frequently asked questions document, are available at www.gp-patient.co.uk. There is also a telephone helpline to answer respondents' queries and to assist with completing the questionnaire.