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Intended for Healthcare Professionals
British Journal of General Practice

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Research Article

Needs assessment in primary care: general practitioners' perceptions and implications for the future.

J Murie, P Hanlon, J McEwen, E Russell, D Moir and J Gregan
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (450): 17-20.
J Murie
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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P Hanlon
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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J McEwen
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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E Russell
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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D Moir
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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J Gregan
Health Centre, South Vennel, Lanark.
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health needs assessment can guide the appropriate shift to primary care by identifying the most effective and efficient resource allocation to meet the needs of populations. Assessing health care needs will be a continuing challenge for primary care trusts in Scotland (or equivalent groups in other parts of the United Kingdom); however, lessons must be learned from the experience of needs assessment that followed the 'internal market' reforms of the 1990s. AIM: To examine general practitioners' (GPs') awareness and experience of needs assessment, to identify barriers to needs assessment in primary care, and to ascertain how better progress might be made in the future. METHOD: A postal questionnaire survey of 1777 Scottish GPs (a one-in-two sample) was combined with a semistructured interview survey of 'lead' GPs from a random sample of 64 mainland Scottish practices between May and August 1996. RESULTS: Sixty-five per cent (1154) of GPs responded to the questionnaire, of which 54% (965) were completed. Over 73% (47) of interviews were completed. Most GPs were unfamiliar with the concept of needs assessment and there was no evidence that needs assessment had influenced commissioning decisions. Most GPs argued that it was not a 'core' activity and that they lacked training in the relevant skills. While the attitude of the majority was indifferent, cynical, and sometimes hostile, a minority, comprising mostly younger fundholders, was more enthusiastic about needs assessment. CONCLUSION: The motivation and attitude of the majority of GPs present a barrier to needs assessment in primary care. GPs will require more resources and training if they are to undertake this responsibility. Most GPs believe than incentives (financial or organisational) will be necessary. Primary care trusts and equivalent structures should be aware of these attitudes as they seek to establish plans based on estimates of population needs in defined locations.

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British Journal of General Practice: 50 (450)
British Journal of General Practice
Vol. 50, Issue 450
January 2000
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Needs assessment in primary care: general practitioners' perceptions and implications for the future.
J Murie, P Hanlon, J McEwen, E Russell, D Moir, J Gregan
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (450): 17-20.

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Needs assessment in primary care: general practitioners' perceptions and implications for the future.
J Murie, P Hanlon, J McEwen, E Russell, D Moir, J Gregan
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (450): 17-20.
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