Aim:
Method: In- depth interviews have been conducted with a sample of GPs across Victoria with an interest in child or adolescent health.
Results: The results show six sets of factors are important to general practice, including continuity of primary medical care, financial constraints, medico-legal issues and the quality of linkages with the child protection sector
Conclusions from this study indicate that while GPs are willing to be involved in health assessment, they require increased access to training and professional development about the health impacts of child abuse and systematic support if they are to play a larger role in health promotion and healing for these vulnerable children. New insights about general practice are needed at policy and practice levels to enable child protection and GPs to work together effectively.
The aim of this qualitative study has been to explore and describe factors that may influence GP involvement in health assessment of this vulnerable population group.
