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Melbourne doctors angered by loss of power under medical reform

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Melbourne doctors angered by loss of power under medical reform

Released: 16 May 2003

Medical Reform

Doctors have become increasingly angered about the loss of power under healthcare
reforms, according to the latest research by three leading Australian social
scientists.

In a series of focus groups with Melbourne GPs, it was found that in general
doctors believed they were losing control over patient cases.

And decisions were increasingly dictated by financial constraints imposed governments
and large medical organizations.

Research spokesperson Dr Timothy Marjoribanks said doctors spoke out about
their frustrations over the loss of autonomy with patient care during the study.
And he suspected the latest Medicare changes would only fuel the mounting frustrations.

“GPs believe decisions are increasingly occurring at an elite level and
there is a widening gap between the elite policy makers and GPs on the frontline,”
he said.

“The biggest concern of GPs relates to the day-to-day interaction with
patients.

“They have an ideal perception of their profession, which is to control
their work and determine what is best for patients. But they believe their autonomy
is being eroded.”

For further information or to arrange interviews:

TASA Media Officer
Chelsea Cormell
Ph: 03 9645 7221
Mob: 0438 883 331

Assoc. Professor & Head of the University of NSW School of Sociology
Michael Humphrey
Ph: 02 9385 2398
Mob: 0403 555 357

Dr Timothy Marjoribanks
Ph: 03 8344 7942

PhD student Swinburne University, Victoria
Zuleyka Zevallos
Mob: 0413 146 838