The number one way to improve the general practice experience for female patients is to give them more time, according to Australian GPs.
And that comes at a price – increased Medicare rebates.
A survey of its members by the Royal Australian College of GPs has found that time is of the essence when it comes to the biggest changes needed in general practice to better serve women.
In the 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 more female GPs at 7%.
RACGP President Dr Karen Price said the poll results were not surprising.
More time please
“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 this week, 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 GP’s 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.
Dr Price said the RACGP had been calling for the federal Government to invest in patient rebates for longer consultations.
The pandemic had exacerbated cracks in the health system that were already evident, particularly GP visits that were 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,” she said.
“Many women also delayed GP appointments for ongoing health issues and chronic conditions, and avoided preventative health screening, which led to delayed diagnosis and worsening conditions.”
New initiative for rural women GPs
Many GPs practising in Australia today are women – making up about 60% of the workforce.
The RACGP has started a new gender-inclusive Rural Women in General Practice committee which will be open to members across Australia.
Members are invited to attend an online member meet-up in April to find out more. GPs can register their interest to join the new committee here, and to attend the meet-up here.