General Practice in urban and rural New Zealand: Results of the 2007 RNZCGP membership survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The provision of primary health care is an integral part of both a country’s health system, and of the overall social and economic development of its communities. An adequate general practice and primary health care workforce is a prerequisite to the provision of good primary health care. Countries with stronger primary health care services have better health and much lower health costs. This paper reports the results of the RNZCGP’s 2007 annual membership survey and discusses workforce development in urban and rural New Zealand (NZ). METHOD: In 2007, the RNZCGP sent a survey form to all its financial members as part of the annual subscriptions mail-out to gather data about College members’ current working patterns and help construct a longitudinal view of work preferences and hours worked per week. RESULTS: The response rate was 59% (1995 members/participants: 1098 males (55%) and 897 females). More female GPs (86%) worked in urban centres than male GPs (83%). NZ European GPs were over-represented (67%) in the South Island when compared to their representation within the total population. Numbers of international medical graduates (IMGs) had increased in urban centres since 2005. All regions experienced a decrease in self-employed GPs. Rural GPs spend more hours per week in general practice than urban GPs. CONCLUSION: The GP workforce is an integral part of the NZ primary health care workforce, and is currently facing many challenges. Stakeholders need to ensure that NZ remains an attractive primary health care environment in order to retain NZ-trained GPs and attract IMGs. KEYWORDS: Family physician, New Zealand, rural health services, manpower