Views of GPs and practice nurses on support needed to respond to pandemic influenza: a qualitative study
Christopher Pearce A B G , Marianne Shearer A , Christine Phillips C , Sally Hall C , Marjan Kljakovic C , Nicholas J. Glasgow D , Paul Dugdale E and Mahomed Patel FA Melbourne East GP Network, Suite 13, Level 1, 317-321 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, VIC 3131, Australia.
B Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
C Academic Unit of General Practice and Community Health, ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
D ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
E Centre for Health Stewardship, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
F National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: drchrispearce@mac.com
Australian Health Review 35(1) 111-115 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH09788
Submitted: 21 May 2009 Accepted: 6 June 2010 Published: 25 February 2011
Abstract
Introduction. Five years ago Australia, and the world, placed itself on heightened alert for pandemic influenza, based on concerns about the potential spread of the avian influenza virus. This prompted a flurry of preparation activity involving general practice, with information from various sources; government, colleges and divisions of general practice.
Method. To assess how general practitioners and practice nurses perceive this information, practice nurses and general practitioners were interviewed as part of a larger project exploring the role of the Australian general practice sector in an influenza pandemic. Results were validated by two focus groups and scenario sessions.
Findings. Participants perceived that non-government organisations rarely gave useful information during a pandemic outbreak. Local divisions were perceived as having a practical and useful role, providing hands-on support to practices during a pandemic outbreak. Our participants did not perceive any coordination in the delivery of information sent by all the organisations involved in a pandemic response and therefore rejected our second hypothesis.
Conclusions. More planning needs to go into the coordinated response of the general practice sector to a pandemic, and such a response should include the support of local Divisions, both as a conduit for information and to assist practices to develop response plans.
What is known about the topic? Response to a pandemic will require a coordinated response between primary and secondary care, public and private sectors.
What does this paper add? Outlines the support needs for general practice to respond effectively, in particular highlighting the important role Divisions can play.
What are the implications for practitioners? Planning for a pandemic should include Divisions of general practice as an integral element of the response, both as a conduit for information and to assist practices to develop response plans.
Additional keywords: disease control, divisions of general practice, health service planning, primary care.
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