Patients need to know alternatives to GP visits
New research highlights the need to educate patients about the range of health care alternatives to visiting a doctor.
A study released at the Australian Self medication Industry (ASMI) conference in Sydney reveals the impact of minor ailments on GP workloads.
The study, conducted by health industry consultants IMS, shows that significant health resources are being devoted to coughs, colds and other conditions that could be effectively managed by a pharmacist, practice nurse or through responsible self care.
It found 15% of all GP consultations involve the treatment of minor ailments, and 7% involve the treatment of minor ailments alone. Conditions involved in these consultations could include: back pain, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, coughs, viral infection, headache and constipation.
