A decade of Australian general practice activity 2001–02 to 2010–11

Abstract

This book brings 10 years of data together from the BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health) program, to identify changes that have occurred over the decade 2001–02 to 2010–11 in the characteristics of GPs and the patients they see, the problems they manage and the treatments they provide. BEACH is a continuous cross-sectional national study that began in April 1998. Every year each of about 1,000 randomly selected GPs records details of 100 consecutive encounters on structured paper recording forms, and provides information about themselves and their practice. BEACH is the only continuous randomised study of general practice activity in the world, and the only national program that provides direct linkage of management (such as prescriptions, referrals, investigations) to the problem under management.