Based on anecdotal evidence and my own observations, I feel that nowadays GPs are primarily (of course not always) treating patients either for flu or depression, and just being the first point of contact either to 1) prescribe medication or 2) refer to a specialist. This system is inefficient timewise as well as costwise (imagine how much the govt would have to pay for each consultation).
Even though our health system is probably much better than many other countries, I feel that in consideration of the current deficit and discussions to improve the health system, perhaps a typical clinic/system could move in the direction of having a number of nurses (performing injections, check ups, prescribing medication), working in conjunction with psychiatrists and psychologists at the same workplace, and perhaps a GP specialist or two to make sure that everything is going okay and can attend to special cases (i.e. not flu). This would involve reducing the number of GPs overall (and most probably a significant reduction in medical admissions to university) but increase additional training to nurses to make sure they have sufficient knowledge.
Do you think this kind of system is realistic and could work in Australia?
Even though our health system is probably much better than many other countries, I feel that in consideration of the current deficit and discussions to improve the health system, perhaps a typical clinic/system could move in the direction of having a number of nurses (performing injections, check ups, prescribing medication), working in conjunction with psychiatrists and psychologists at the same workplace, and perhaps a GP specialist or two to make sure that everything is going okay and can attend to special cases (i.e. not flu). This would involve reducing the number of GPs overall (and most probably a significant reduction in medical admissions to university) but increase additional training to nurses to make sure they have sufficient knowledge.
Do you think this kind of system is realistic and could work in Australia?