GP Wellbeing

Project goal

Increase personal support and health of GPs in the Northern Rivers.

Introduction

“During the next decade general practice will face an environment that is complex, fast changing, uncertain, unfamiliar and competitive.” (Report of the General Practice Strategy Review Group)

Expectations of GP services will continue to escalate with the gradual reorientation of health services from institution to community based, together with an increased demand for GPs to play a greater role in public health screening and health issues.

These are just some of numerous stressors faced by GPs, often in professional isolation, and are issues that need to be considered. Providing opportunities for GPs and their families to seek and receive support in order to remain healthy and happy in their work environment ultimately benefits the community they serve, not to mention the GP as an individual.

GPs are at high risk of suffering from depression, committing suicide, becoming drug and alcohol dependent, becoming workaholics, having poor marriages and overeating or not exercising. "There is relative paucity of hard data on the extent of the problem. Nonetheless some features of studies of suicide in doctors are common and concerning: all report a substantially higher rate of suicide for doctors compared to the general population and to other professionals." (Beverly Raphael, 1997)

The project's objective to increase personal support and the health of GPs on the Northern Rivers allows them to examine self care and health issues for themselves and their families, in order to identify their potential needs. Ongoing education and peer support activities provide effective support mechanisms for GPs working in semi-rural and rural areas.