Aged care GPs getting older
There is an increasing reliance on older, male general practitioners serving residential aged care facilities (RACFs), according to a study in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
The study, conducted by Mr Gregory Lewis and Dr Robert Pegram, of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, studied Medicare data from 1984 to 2000.
Results show that there has been a steady decline in the GP workforce within RACFs. There has been a dramatic decline in younger GPs, from 30 per cent in 1986 to below 12 per cent in 2000. Likewise, GPs aged 45 years and older made up 58 per cent in 2000, compared with 41 per cent in 1984.
Despite an increase in the proportion of female RACF GPs from 9 per cent to 16 per cent, the average number of services provided by female GPs has declined by more than 15 services per year.
"Further research is needed on models of RACF care that can underpin the provision of quality general practice, and meet potential inadequacies in supply of RACF services," Dr Pegram said.
"The increasing proportion of female GPs in the workforce and the declining involvement of female GPs with RACFs has implications for the maintenance of RACF services over the longer term.
"Overall, the results suggest that the GP workforce is becoming less engaged with RACFs.
"A collaborative approach needs to be taken between the Commonwealth Government and the medical profession to find ways to increase the participation of younger GPs in RACFs before the older, male GPs retire," Dr Pegram said.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
CONTACTS: Dr Robert Pegram (02) 6289 3607 (B/H)
(0411) 261 863 (A/H)
Sarah Crichton (0419) 440 076
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