6. State Comparisons - NRGPS Abstract

Aims

To present a series of tables based on important national findings identified in previous working papers from the National Rural General Practice Study. To show the values for each State and the Northern Territory for the variables included in these tables. To offer some suggestions for further investigation of Study results for each State and the Northern Territory.

Methods

The National Rural General Practice Study collected information from nearly 1400 rural and remote doctors across Australia. Previous working papers from the Study have identified prominent issues in recruitment, retention, training, and support of the national pool of doctors. The Study also enabled results to be disseminated for each State and the Northern Territory. The previous working papers provided templates for a series of tables which could be used to show the performance of each State and the Northern Territory on key variables.

Results

Tables are presented showing values for key variables in the areas of : demography and family characteristics; quality of life; length of stay and practice experience; involvement in and attitudes to training and support programs; and attitudes to changes in the professional medical environment. Twenty-two tables are presented in total, along with descriptions of the table contents.

Discussion

While the purpose of the National Rural General Practice Study was to present a national profile of rural and remote doctors in Australia, the scope of the data collection was such that good quality information on a range of topics was collected for doctors in each State and the Northern Territory. This working paper provides the background for State level investigations of the data. These investigations may be carried out by State level stakeholders such as Rural Divisions Coordinating Units; Rural Incentives Program State Panels; or rural medical research and education organisations in each State.

Further Information

Further information about the National Rural General Practice Study and its implications for rural general practice policy in Australia can be found in the study working papers and final report. You can obtain copies of the working papers and final report from the School of Rural Health.