General practice care models and satisfaction in Australian residential aged care homes: a national survey of GPs, practice nurses, and managers.

Abstract (English)

BACKGROUND: Residential aged care homes (RACHs) in Australia support a growing population with complex healthcare needs. General practitioners (GPs), supported by practice nurses (PNs) and practice managers (PMs), play a central role providing medical care. Care models vary widely in these settings, and evidence on provider satisfaction and workforce sustainability is fragmented. OBJECTIVE: To describe general practice care models in Australian RACHs, and examine satisfaction and workforce intentions among GPs, PNs, and PMs. METHODS: A national online survey of GPs, PNs, and PMs involved in RACH care was conducted between June and August 2023. Descriptive and bivariate analyses examined associations between demographic and practice characteristics, satisfaction across care elements, and GP intentions to continue working in aged care. RESULTS: Of 105 GP respondents, 87% were currently providing RACH care (58% aged 40-59 years; 53% female). Care was predominantly delivered through unstructured models (70%). Over half (53%) reported high satisfaction with their care model, while 59% were dissatisfied with remuneration; satisfaction did not differ by model type. Twenty-four PNs and 23 PMs participated, reporting high satisfaction with GP collaboration yet lower satisfaction with RACH staff relationships. Younger, less experienced GPs were more likely to plan to cease RACH work within one year (both P = .001, Cramér's V = 0.33-0.39), and metropolitan GPs were less likely to anticipate long-term involvement (P = .016, Cramér's V = 0.32). CONCLUSION: General practice remains central to aged care but faces persistent workforce and structural pressures. Addressing remuneration, workload, and cross-sector collaboration is critical to sustaining high-quality general practice in RACHs.