The Medical journal of Australia
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To compare the findings of the 1997 and 2007 Australian national surveys of mental health and wellbeing (NSMHWBs) with respect to the role of general practitioners in providing mental health services. ⋯ Despite a significant rise in the use of mental health services, the role of GPs in providing such services has not increased.
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To compare the demographics of general practitioners in two practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and to explore the generalisability of research findings from these PBRNs. ⋯ These results suggest possible lack of generalisability of findings from some types of studies conducted in single PBRNs. In such circumstances, collaboration of PBRNs may produce more generalisable results.
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To identify barriers to, and enablers of, the uptake of preventive care in general practice from the perspective of community members, and to explore their sense of the effectiveness of that care. ⋯ A disconnect exists between patient perceptions of prevention in general practice and government expectations of this sector at a time when general practice is being asked to increase its focus and effectiveness in this field.
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Increasing numbers of medical students and junior doctors learn and work in general practice. Increased supervisory responsibilities for general practitioners threaten the quality of care provided to patients and the income thus derived. ⋯ Alternative models must be funded, trialled and evaluated. One such model, involving consultant on-call GP supervisors, is proposed.