General practice: personal view from a deputising service.
This picture of Auckland general practice was developed during 30,000 consultations which the author conducted in after hours deputising services. Most patients are satisfied with their doctor. However, some would value referral when a problem is slow to resolve or during a series of illnesses. Few such patients are advised about increasing their resistance to disease. Some terminal patients have had little discussion about what suffering not to expect, or about possible admission. Many patients do not know their diagnosis. Asthmatics often lack a peak flow meter, supply of understood drugs and a crisis plan. Some asthmatic children lack a correct diagnosis. The management of stress, if addressed, relies on drugs, reassurance and advice and, in the related matter of depression, the doses of drugs are sometimes high enough to cause side effects only.
Walsh
B H
BH
Urgent Medical Service, Auckland.
D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D012017:Referral and Consultation