GPs say longer consultations needed in general practice to better serve women

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has canvassed Australia’s GPs on the most pressing change needed in general practice to better serve Australia women in honour of International Women’s Day.

In a News GP poll GPs voted overwhelmingly for increased Medicare patient rebates for longer consultations as the most pressing change needed for women patients, at 65%.

This was followed by better access to sexual and reproductive health services at 14%, enhanced preventative health screening programs closely after at 12%, and lastly more female GPs at 7%.

RACGP President Dr Karen Price said the poll results were not surprising.

“As a woman and a GP, I completely understand why our members see support for longer consultations as the most pressing change needed in general practice to better serve women,” she said.

“And it ties in with one of the key missions of International Women’s Day, which is to assist women to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health.

“All GPs know, quality care requires time – time to listen to a patient, time to assess, and time to provide expert advice and empower patients to make an informed decision about their health.

“An important part of a GPs job is noticing the little things and starting conversations that can make all the difference when it comes to patient health and wellbeing.

“This is especially true when it comes to women patients who may be experiencing complex and sensitive issues, including sexual and reproductive issues, diverse forms of abuse and violence and mental health concerns.

“This is also why the RACGP has been calling for the federal Government to invest in patient rebates for longer consultations.

“The pandemic has exacerbated cracks in the health system that were already evident, particularly GP visits that are too short for the complex cases we are increasingly seeing.

“When it comes to women, we are seeing more and more coming forward with mental health concerns and anxiety and we know the pandemic also impacted on people experiencing violence. Many women also delayed GP appointments for ongoing health issues and chronic conditions, and avoided preventative health screening, which led to delayed diagnosis, worsening conditions.

“More investment in patient rebates for longer consultations will mean GPs can spend more time with patients to discuss their concerns, provide expert advice and empower patients to make an informed decision about their care.”

The RACGP also acknowledged Australia’s hard-working female GPs and their achievements.

“As our Health of the Nation survey shows, most GPs practising today are women – 59% compared to 40% male,” she said.

“We also know women patients often prefer to see women GPs, particularly for women’s health issues. Our survey found far more women GPs commonly deal with women’s health issues than male GPs, at 47% compared to just 4%. So we know access the women GPs is important for better serving women patients.

“Women GPs are breaking bias every day in Australia. They are working in cities and rural areas in a profession that was traditionally seen as ‘men’s work’, and they are truly valued by their patients and communities.

“I am happy to announce that the RACGP has started a new gender inclusive Rural Women in General Practice committee, which aims to elevate, empower and encourage women working in rural practice.

“This new committee will be open to GP members of the RACGP across Australia to join. And together we will work to identify and meet the unique interests, challenges and needs of rural women GPs and empower them to reach their full professional capacity, and in turn supporting rural communities.

“On a personal note, I am very proud that our profession has so many inspirational women GPs in the field with laudable achievements to their name. They’ve established new practices, advanced research, contributed to diverse general practice specialties, such as addiction medicine, family violence and abuse, and excelled in leadership roles, in general practice and beyond.

“We can all look up to these women and be inspired by them.”

Members are invited to attend an online member meet-up in April to find out more about the RACGP’s inclusive Rural Women in General Practice committee. Interested GPs can register their interest to join the new committee here, and to attend the meet-up here.

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