title: Distribution of GPs in Scotland by age, gender and deprivation.
abstract: General practice in the UK is widely reported to be in crisis, with particular concerns about recruitment and retention of family doctors. This study assessed the distribution of GPs in Scotland by age, gender and deprivation, using routinely available data. We found that there are more GPs (and fewer patients per GP) in the least deprived deciles than there are in the most deprived deciles. Furthermore, there are a higher proportion of older GPs in the most deprived deciles. There are also important gender differences in the distribution of GPs. We discuss the implications of these findings for policymakers and practitioners.
authors.affiliation: General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK david.blane@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Blane
authors.affiliation: General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.affiliation: General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Watt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: General practice; inequality; recruitment; retention; workforce