title: Facing the challenges: general practice in 2020.
abstract: A strong primary medical care system is essential to the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of the health system as a whole. General practice in Australia faces significant challenges to its capacity to fulfil its role and function: in its financing, recognition, capacity to provide comprehensive care, and integration with the rest of the health system. Addressing these challenges requires a better system of remuneration for quality in general practice care, strengthening of the role of the generalist within the health system, involvement of Divisions of General Practice in service development, and establishment of collaborative networks and integrated primary health care services.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. m.f.harrisATunsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role