Citation

Tolhurst H, Baker L, Murray G, Bell P, Sutton A, Dean S. Aust. J. Rural Health 2003; 11(5): 231-236.

Affiliation

Discipline of General Practice, School of Medical Practice and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Association for Australian Rural Nurses; National Rural Health Alliance, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14641220

Abstract

AIMS: To identify prevalence, precipitants and risk factors of violence and aggression towards Australian rural general practitioners (GPs). METHOD: Six focus groups were held with GPs from rural Western Australia and from two rural Divisions of General Practice in New South Wales and Victoria. A questionnaire was developed and all GPs in these three geographical areas were surveyed. RESULTS: The survey results showed that 73% of respondents had experienced some form of violent or aggressive behaviour from patients and 20% had been subjected to physical abuse during their careers as rural doctors. Physical abuse mostly occurred after hours and in a hospital or multipurpose centre. Violence and aggression were often associated with patient drug and alcohol intoxication and psychological disorders. CONCLUSION: Workplace violence and aggression against rural GPs is a frequent problem. Adequate funding and safe facilities for after-hours care and training for GPs in managing dangerous situations should be provided.

Language: en