The Growing Need in Australian Healthcare for General Practitioners

 

Australia has a well-known healthcare system that is both accessible and of high quality, yet it also confronts many obstacles that limit its efficacy. A critical concern is the increasing need for General Practitioners (GPs). Medical staffing companies in Australia face both possibilities and challenges as a result of this increase in demand. Comprehending these intricacies is important in fulfilling the requirements of healthcare professionals and guaranteeing appropriate treatment for patients.

Australia’s Current Health Care System

Australia’s healthcare system provides comprehensive services to its residents through a combined public-private paradigm. Essential medical services are accessible through the public system, which is supported by Medicare, and for individuals who opt for private health insurance, there are more options available in the private sector. This system guarantees a high calibre of care, but it also puts a great deal of strain on medical professionals, especially general practitioners (GPs), who are often patients’ first point of contact.

Australia’s need for general practitioners

The following elements impact the need for general practitioners in Australia:

Population Growth and Ageing: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/national-state-and-territory-population/dec-2023), the country’s population exceeded 26 million as of 2023. A considerable proportion of this population was over 65 (Knoema.com, https://knoema.com/atlas/Australia/Population-aged-65-years-and-above). The need for primary care services is increased by the ageing population since older persons often need more complex and frequent medical care.

Chronic Disease Management: In Australia, the majority of deaths are caused by chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/risk-factors/diabetes) collected self-reported and measured data, which showed that more than one in four (29%) adult Australians had either CKD, CVD, or diabetes. One percent (182,000) possessed all three requirements, and seven percent (1.2 million) had at least two of them. Demand is also increased by the fact that GPs are primarily responsible for managing these illnesses.

Mental Health Services: General Practitioners are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. GP services in mental health are in high demand due to rising awareness and diagnosis rates.

Rural and distant locations: Approximately 20% of Australians live in distant locations without access to general practitioner services, while nearly 60% of rural residents lack access to specialists in theirthe Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that.

Let’s examine how hiring agencies are affected by the growing demand for GPs.

Current Australian General Practitioner Staffing Trends

Australia’s GP recruiting is changing to accommodate the country’s rising need thanks to a number of major trends:

Temporary physician placements, sometimes known as locum tenens, have grown in popularity. This concept gives general practitioners flexibility and solves short-term staffing shortages by enabling them to work temporarily in different places. In rural and isolated places, locum tenens positions — like locum RMO (resident medical officer) roles in Australia — are very beneficial.

Telehealth: The use of telehealth services has increased access to general practitioner treatment, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, telehealth consultations made up 25% of all GP consultations, which reduced the need on in-person services.

Incentives for Rural Practice: The government provides financial incentives and increased Medicare rebates to general practitioners (GPs) who agree to work in underserved areas in order to reduce regional imbalances. The goal of these actions is to equalize the distribution of healthcare professionals.

Australia’s Healthcare Needs and Future Prospects

In the future, Australia’s need for general practitioners is anticipated to keep growing. Numerous demands and changes require the healthcare system to adjust:

Increased GP Training: The Australian Medical Association (AMA) reported that by 2031–2032, there will be a shortfall of around 10,600 general practitioners (GPs) in Australia as the number of GPs retires and the country’s population grows. The demand for medical services increased by 58% in the ten years leading up to 2019; this is equal to the workload of 10,200 full-time general practitioners. Just 4,200 full-time general practitioners were added to the workforce in the five years leading up to 2021 (https://www.ama.com.au/ama-rounds/25-november-2022/articles/ama-report-projects-staggering-gp-shortage).

Integration of telemedicine: It is anticipated that telemedicine will become more prevalent, offering a wider range of care options and relieving pressure on conventional healthcare facilities.

Improved Recruitment Techniques: In order to draw in and keep general practitioners, recruitment firms will need to use creative tactics. Offering competitive pay, chances for career advancement, and work-life balance programs are a few examples of this.

Principal Difficulties

Several obstacles to GP recruiting in Australia still exist in spite of these efforts:

Ageing Workforce: The workforce of general medical practitioners has aged dramatically, according to a report released by The National Library of Medicine of The National Centre for Biotechnology Information (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2780374/). A projection was made indicating that 43% of general practitioners and 56% of specialists would have retired by 2025.

Recruiting New GPs: To recruit new medical graduates, general practice needs to be improved. This entails raising pay, offering chances for career advancement, and setting up reliable support networks.

Supply Parity between Urban and Rural Areas: Reducing the gap in GP distribution in urban and rural areas is still a major concern. Incentives and policies that work are essential to guaranteeing that everyone has access to healthcare.

How IMS People Possible Can Assist Hiring Organizations

We at IMS People Possible are committed to providing customized solutions to address the difficulties associated with healthcare recruitment. We appreciate the complexities of this process. We guarantee that healthcare institutions have access to qualified general practitioners (GPs) when needed by offering expert offshore recruitment services for both permanent and locum tenens roles. We source competent individuals from all over the world by utilizing our vast worldwide network, guaranteeing a consistent supply of healthcare professionals to suit Australia’s expanding needs.

In summary

In Australia, there is a growing need for general practitioners, which brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Healthcare institutions must ensure they are equipped to meet patient demands by understanding these dynamics and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives. Your healthcare staffing partner, IMS People Possible, is dedicated to supporting these efforts through expert Offshore Recruitment Services, helping to bridge the gap and ensure a robust and efficient healthcare system.