Health of the Nation: General Practice Insights and Challenges in Australia

In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh welcomes Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, for a discussion centred on the recently released Health of the Nation report. Now in its ninth year, the report serves as a key barometer for the state of general practice in Australia, covering trends in service provision, access, key challenges, and broader implications for practitioners.

Key Points: 

• Australian GPs delivered over 170 million services last year and saw nearly 23 million Australians, with more than 2 million visits each week.
• Survey data show 99% of patients reported being able to access a GP when needed, although some were unable to see their preferred GP, at their preferred time, or faced out-of-pocket costs.
• The top reason for GP consultations is psychological conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety).
• GPs are treating older populations and more chronic illnesses, resulting in longer and more complex consultations. Now lasting close to 20 minutes.
• Despite increased workload and complexity, per-person expenditure on general practice has remained flat for a decade, while hospital spending has increased.
• Nearly one-third of GPs have witnessed racism within the health system, and one in five have experienced it personally.
• The RACGP is committed to recognising, measuring, and addressing racism, guided by findings from its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander faculty.
• Continued efforts are needed to ensure long-term sustainability and quality care for Australian communities.

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