Methodology and Data Quality - NRGPS Abstract

Aims

The National Rural General Practice Study aimed to develop a profile of rural general practice across Australia. One of the principles of the Study was to minimise the need to collect information which was available from existing sources. Having identified existing information, the Study then collected additional information through a national survey of rural and remote medical practitioners.

Methods

The theoretical Study population frame was identified as all general practitioners studying in rural and remote areas. The Rural and Remote Areas (RRMA) classification was used to identify rural and remote areas. Existing national data sources were sought which could be analysed according to the RRMA classification, and which would provide information about the general practice environment in rural and remote areas. A survey questionnaire was developed to supplement existing information, particularly to find out about doctors attitudes to their practice environments. The survey form was distributed to all doctors included in key State and Northern Territory databases of rural general practitioners.

Results

Two key existing national data sources were identified in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Medical Labour Force Series and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing. There were other national data sources, but issues of population coverage and accessibility restricted their usefulness to the Study. The national survey was administered to nearly 4000 practitioners. Just under 50% of all surveys were returned, but this was estimated to be a 75% response rate from doctors practising in rural and remote areas. The survey responses were analysed for issues of data quality. No substantial data quality issues were identified.

Discussion

Designing the Study to make use of national information already available about rural and remote general practice meant that the additional data collection function could be a relatively short, well targeted survey aimed primarily at eliciting attitudinal information. The survey results represent a valuable source of information about rural and remote general practice right across Australia, which can be analysed in conjunction with existing information.

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.