An annual report that provides insights into the state of general practice in Australia. The report examines current and emerging health issues and patient access to care, as well as profiling the workforce, job satisfaction and business of general practice. This year two themes were selected for the report: preventive care and multidisciplinary team care in general practice.

The report outlines trends in general practice, the role of general practitioners (GPs), general practice funding and viability, and the current and future workforce.

Key findings

• Since 2014–15, per person spend on hospitals has increased by more than 30%, while general practice funding has remained virtually unchanged.
• There were fewer reports of longer than acceptable GP wait times.
• 8.8% of Australians delayed care due to cost.
• One in three GPs plan to stop practising within five years.
• 30% of GPs observed racism towards patients in the healthcare system – only six in 10 felt confident to deal with it.
• Lack of government funding, time to collaborate and access to other health professionals are cited as barriers to multidisciplinary team care.
• Four in five GPs want to provide more preventive care.
• 82% of GPs say Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates and incentive schemes are insufficient to support more preventive care for patients.