Delivery of primary care in hospital and community settings in Australia

This study examined the interface between emergency departments and community general practice in terms of their delivery of primary care services. Through the collection of casemix and treatment data, and interviews with patients, information was gathered relating to the extent of primary care delivery in emergency departments, problems managed and treatments provided in the two settings and patients' characteristics and reasons for choosing to seek primary care in the emergency department. The results indicate a high proportion of primary care delivery is in emergency departments, and that there is a need for delivery in this setting to continue. The results are discussed in terms of such quality assurance issues as monitoring primary care in emergency departments and addressing patient needs.