State of general practice in New Zealand

• Published in: New Zealand medical journal Vol. 136; no. 1582; pp. 8 - 10
• Main Authors: Betty, Bryan, Scott-Jones, Jo, Toop, Les
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) 15-09-2023
• Subjects: Aging; Emergency medical care; Family physicians; Family Practice; General Practice; Humans; Labor shortages; Medical referrals; New Zealand; Population; Workforce; Working conditions; New Zealand
• ISSN: 1175-8716; 1175-8716
• DOI: 10.26635/6965.e1582

The system has not delivered equitable outcomes to sectors of the Aotearoa New Zealand community, especially for Maori and Pasifika communities,4 the system is not providing population health outcomes that meet expectations5 and the system is not providing its workforce with working conditions that are attractive or sustainable.6 The latest Commonwealth survey7 showed younger general practitioners (GPs) have the highest rates of burnout. Investment by successive governments has failed to provide and maintain adequate facilities, nor to train the workforce needed to service rapid population growth and the associated increased demand. For general practice, the way forward to a sustainable, equitable system involves regaining adequate staffing levels, with an interdisciplinary workforce-the makeup of which better reflects Aotearoa New Zealand society, and which has the capacity, capability and connections to deliver accessible, high-quality care in partnership both with communities and with the wider health and social care systems. The evidence of patient benefit and positive health outcomes from generalist healthcare teams providing comprehensive and continuity of care in the community is both strong and substantial.2 3 The best use of generalist physicians should include managing the most complex medical situations.