GPs reject divisions’ expanded role

GPs have strongly rejected a controversial health reform proposal that could shift the focus of divisions away from general practice in favour of broader primary care.

In a recent poll, more than two-thirds (67%) of GPs believed the plan to expand divisions of general practice into divisions of primary health care would not create better links between GPs and allied health staff, nor would it improve patient care.

The plan emerged from the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s interim report released last month.

The national poll of 150 doctors – conducted for MO by Cegedim Strategic Data – revealed just 7% of GPs were in favour of transformed divisions, and a quarter remained undecided.

Professor of health economics at Sydney University Gavin Mooney backed the NHHRC proposal, but said the poll result was a worrying indication of the lack of GP confidence in existing divisions.

“Informed citizens want integrated primary care. The [divisions of primary health care] will facilitate liaison between the different providers and allow more seamless care to patients,” he said.

AGPN chair Dr Emil Djakic said that while many GPs were understandably wary, he was encouraged by the one third of respondents who were potentially in favour of division reform.

Will transformed divisions lead to improved patient care?

Yes: 7%
No: 67%
Possibly: 25%

Source: Cegedim Strategic Data
*Percentages have been rounded down