Australian divisions of general practice asthma survey 1997. General Practitioner's Asthma Group of the National Asthma Campaign.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct an attitudinal postal survey of all 118 divisions of general practice known to the National Asthma Campaign.


METHODS
A questionnaire aimed to determine the perceived barriers to improved asthma care in the divisions, current asthma projects and the most suitable way that the General Practitioners Asthma Group (GPAG) and the National Asthma Campaign (NAC) could assist divisions of general practice.


RESULTS
Eighty seven (74%) replies were received. Twenty-four divisions (28%) were running asthma projects, mostly about asthma education. The greatest barrier to asthma care for the doctor was a lack of time (57% of respondents) and the greatest barrier for the patient was perceived to be a lack of asthma education (34% of respondents). Asthma educators employed by the division or individual surgeries were ranked as the preferred method for overcoming these difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
Divisions of general practice are becoming involved in the management of asthma throughout Australia although there are considerable hurdles to overcome. The role of the GPAG and NAC in this process is discussed.
Charlton
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D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D011787:Quality of Health Care