One in four adults did not visit GP within last year, research shows

One in four adults has not visited their GP within the last year, according to a new report.

The Medical Council said its latest research shows there has been a substantial decrease in the number of people visiting their GP as frequently as in the past.

The results of a nationally representative survey show that, while 94% of adults are registered with a GP, 25% report not having visited their doctor in the past year.

This compares with 15% of adults in 2020.

The Medical Council said the research shows doctors rank second highest as the most trusted profession in Irish society, with just under nine in 10 people (89%) trusting their doctor to tell the truth.

The highest ranking profession is teachers.

The use of telemedicine has significantly increased, with around one in four (24%) adults accessing these services.

There has been a large increase in the proportion of people who have used GP services through telemedicine, up to 21% from 2% in 2020.

Telemedicine usage is highest among 35 to 49-year-olds, and those residing in Dublin.

The Medical Council found 9% of respondents said they had used social media to seek guidance from a doctor who uses a social media platform to provide medical advice.

Of those who used social media in this way, 11% said they checked if the doctors were registered.