title: Australian consumers' expectations for expanded nursing roles in general practice--choice not gatekeeping.
abstract: While research has focussed on the current and potential role of the practice nurse (PN) in Australia, the acceptability of this role by consumers has not been investigated. In 2002, two independent studies were carried out into consumer perceptions of PNs. A disscussion between the two groups of researchers at the inaugural National Pratice Nurse Conference in 2003, identifiied significant similarities in the findings of the tese studies. This article reports the combined findings as they relate to consumer's desire for access to the health practitioner of their choice, and their concern that PNs may assume a Gatekeeping role. These perceptions may have significant impact on the acceptance of PNs across Australia.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health, University of Queensland, Australia. hegney@usq.edu.au
authors.forename: Desley
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hegney
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martin-McDonald
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rees
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020793:Gatekeeping; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009743:Nursing, Practical