Doctors are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with demand from patients. In order to help them manage, a number of health centres have encouraged patients to have a consultation with their doctor over the phone rather than face-to-face. A recent study, however, found that this did not actually save the doctor any time. The amount of time spent with patients was no less than if they had come to the centre. So there is no advantage in pursuing a policy of encouraging patients to consult their doctor over the phone.