title: A spatial analysis of the expanding roles of nurses in general practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Changes to the workforce and organisation of general practice are occurring rapidly in response to the Australian health care reform agenda, and the changing nature of the medical profession. In particular, the last five years has seen the rapid introduction and expansion of a nursing workforce in Australian general practices. This potentially creates pressures on current infrastructure in general practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used a mixed methods, 'rapid appraisal' approach involving observation, photographs, and interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses utilise space differently to GPs, and this is part of the diversity they bring to the general practice environment. At the same time their roles are partly shaped by the ways space is constructed in general practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The fluidity of nursing roles in general practice suggests that nurses require a versatile space in which to maximize their role and contribution to the general practice team.
authors.affiliation: Director of Research, Inner Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local and Adjunct Associate Professor, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. chris.pearce@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dwan
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sibbald