Attitudes of the public to medical care: Part 5-Para-medical services

A sample of the population of Auckland and Dunedin was asked a series of six questions concerning their attitude to para-medical services as provided by a Plunket nurse; a public health or school nurse; a district nurse; a medico-social worker from a hospital and the ambulance service. Analysis of the replies shows some differences in utilisation of specific services comparing one city to the other. Respondents' opinions on the methods of financing these services show a general vote for preservation of the status quo but with some increased Government support. These are indications that the public is unaware of current methods of financing such services. Public acceptance of the idea of employment of trained nurses and social workers in general practice was high and when the question was made more specific by referring to the respondent's own family doctor the acceptance was much higher. Reasons for non-acceptance do not indicate any major difficulties in the employment of such staff in general practice, at least as far as the patients are concerned.