Variety and views in general practice

Ninety general practitioners described their practices and gave their views on their work. The differences between urban and rural general practices were found to be greater than those between single practices, partnerships and group practices. Rural doctors were on call more frequently (50% being on call more than 11 nights per month and 54% at least every third weekend), had lower adult fees, were more likely to have hospital appointments (54%) and expressed more concern about their independence than urban doctors. Most of the general practitioners (94.5%) said that their surgeries usually ran over time (44% up to an hour, 5.5% longer), longer consultations and extra patients being seen as the prime causes. The general practitioners particularly enjoyed their involvement with people and the variety in their work (34% and 22% of comments respectively), but felt overworked and found difficulties with particular people (33% and 20% of comments respectively). In their general comments the general practitioners wanted to see an improved image for family doctors (23%) and more support for doctors (17%). Fifteen percent of the comments affirmed the quality of general practice.