Primary health care in the Kimberley: Is the doctor shortage much bigger than we think?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the extent to which general practitioners in the Kimberley region are available for doctor-provided primary care and relates primary care availability to need and standardised population. DESIGN: Data collection and analysis was based on government statistics and interviews with general practitioners, local managers and regional employers and organisations. RESULTS: A shortfall of 20.6 full time general practitioner positions was identified and this was aggravated by a significant number of unfilled positions in the areas of greatest need. Overall the region had only half the primary care general practitioners needed. The Shire of Halls Creek at the time of survey had less than a quarter of the doctors required based on this analysis. CONCLUSION: Steps to increase the Australian medical workforce have begun but resources to recruit, support and sustain this workforce are required. Aboriginal health workers and locally trained nurses competently provide much of the primary care but need greater resources to support the available medical care.