Developments in Australian general practice 2000-2002: What did these contribute to a well functioning and comprehensive Primary Health Care System?

Abstract

Background: In recent years, national and state/territory governments have undertaken an increasing number of initiatives to strengthen general practice and improve its links with the rest of the primary health care sector. This paper reviews how far these initiatives were contributing to a well functioning and comprehensive primary-health care system during the period 2000-2002, using a normative model of primary health care and data from a descriptive study to evaluate progress. Results: There was a significant number of programs, at both state/territory and national level. Most focused on individual care, particularly for chronic disease, rather than population health approaches. There wa..