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[Working hours and productivity of curative services in general practice in 1993. Practice profile of Norwegian
1Institutt for samfunnsmedisin, Universitetet i Tromsø.
Insights
General practitioners (GPs) in Norway reported similar workloads despite a doubling in numbers from 1978 to 1993. This indicates increased primary health care consumption by the population.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Health Services Research
- Workforce Studies
Background:
- The number of general practitioners (GPs) in Norway doubled between 1978 and 1993.
- Understanding the task profiles and workload distribution among GPs is crucial for health system planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the task profiles and working hours of general practitioners in Norway.
- To compare workload and activities based on gender and payment models.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 164 general practitioners (GPs) in Norway.
- Data collection through questionnaires and a one-week practice diary.
- Analysis of reported working hours, consultations, and types of services provided.
Main Results:
- Men reported working more hours than women; women were more likely to have part-time jobs.
- Fee-for-service GPs had more consultations than fixed-salary GPs.
- Fixed-salary GPs dedicated more time to emergency services.
- Despite a doubling in GP numbers, total workload remained constant, suggesting increased population demand for primary care.
Conclusions:
- The Norwegian general practice workforce doubled, yet individual GP workloads remained stable.
- Population demand for primary health care services significantly increased over the study period.
- Differences in workload and activities exist based on gender and payment structure among GPs.
Abstract:
In a survey of task profiles in General Practice 164 general practitioners (GPs) in Norway, 51% of a random sample, answered a questionnaire and 147 doctors also kept a diary on their practice for one week, specifying their activities throughout the day. Men reported working more hours per week than women, and practitioners working on a fee-for-service basis had more consultations than colleagues on a fixed salary. Fixed salary GPs spent more time on emergency service. More women than men had part time jobs. The number of GPs has doubled from 1978 to 1993, but the total workload for a GP is approximately the same. The population must have doubled its consumption of primary health care services over this 15 year period.