General practitioners' support and implementation concerns for Australia's proposed aged care primary care model: a cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

The 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety proposed a new primary care model to address the growing healthcare needs of Australia's aging population.This study explored the views of general practitioners (GPs) working in residential aged care homes on the proposed model and identified potential implementation challenges. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2023 and April 2024, recruiting GPs through professional networks and social media. The survey used a 5-point Likert scale to gauge agreement with the proposed model and an open-ended question to explore potential implementation barriers. One hundred and fifteen GPs (48.7% male; 59.2% aged 30-49) with an average of 12.2 ± 10.4 years' experience in aged care participated. Respondants indicated broad support for extending practice accreditation to aged care-focused practices, with strong endorsement for criteria such as formal accreditation and telehealth integration. Yet, GPs expressed substantial concerns about the practical implementation of capitation payments and other systemic changes, citing underfunding and increased administrative burdens as major obstacles. Reservations were also raised about the adequacy of support for managing increasingly complex aged care needs. Notably, 46% doubted the feasibility of implementing the recommendations, highlighting challenges in funding, after-hours care, and collaboration. This study highlights key factors influencing the feasibility of implementing the proposed primary care model in aged care, offering valuable insights applicable globally. Addressing GP concerns and fostering collaboration appear crucial, while further stakeholder consultation involving GPs, practice nurses, patients, and their families should guide the implementation of proposed reforms.