scholarly journals Defining a Process for Segmenting the General Practitioner Market for Rural Practice Recruitment

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Hemphill ◽  
Carol T. Kulik

General practitioner (GP) to patient ratios fall below benchmarks, particularly in rural areas. A marketing solution to this significant social problem might be to develop recruitment strategies differentiating medical practices (brands) and targeting different segments of the GP market. This article uses data gathered in Australia from practice managers, GPs, and recruitment advertisements to develop a taxonomy of family, job, and practice attributes that could be used to recruit GPs. Current recruiting strategies emphasize a mix of family, job and practice attributes, but better recruitment outcomes might be achieved by the implementation of branding principles that more clearly differentiate general practices with targeted recruitment advertisements. This research prescribes a path for future research on GP recruitment. The first step is to gather data on the relative and absolute value of different attributes within the taxonomy. These data can then be used to develop targeted marketing strategies for recruiting GPs to rural practices.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Glenister ◽  
John Guymer ◽  
Lisa Bourke ◽  
David Simmons

Abstract Background Most people in Australia visit a General Practitioner each year and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care, including older people and people living with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year with people who had accessed one practice, or none. Methods A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16+ were eligible to participate in the adult survey. Results Most people had attended a single general practice (78.9%), while 14.4% attended more than one practice and 6.7% attended no practices in the previous 12 months. Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the previous year was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97–0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22–3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22–2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04–1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p < 0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p = 0.006) than single practice attendees. Conclusions Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Maree Glenister ◽  
John Guymer ◽  
Lisa Bourke ◽  
David Simmons

Abstract Background: Most Australians visit a General Practitioner annually and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care such as older people or those with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year. Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16+ were eligible to participate. Results: Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the past year (14.3%) was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97-0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22-3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22-2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04-1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p<0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p=0.006) than single practice attendees. Conclusions: Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.


2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Hemphill ◽  
Carol T. Kulik

Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the health industry with general practitioner (GP) shortages in many areas beyond rural and Indigenous communities. This paper suggests a marketing solution that identifies different segments of the GP market for recruitment strategy development. In February 2008, 96 GPs in Australia responded to a mail questionnaire (of which 85 questionnaires were useable). A total of 350 GPs were sent the questionnaire. Respondents considered small sets of attributes in the decision to accept a new job at a general practice and selected the most and least important attribute from each set. We identified latent class clusters (cohorts) of GPs from the most–least important data. Three cohorts were found in the GP market, distinguishing practitioners who emphasised job, family or practice attributes in their decision to join a practice. Few significant demographic differences exist between the cohorts. A segmented GP market suggests two alternative recruitment strategies. One option is for general practices to target members of a single cohort (family-, job-, or practice-focussed GPs). The other option is for general practices to diversify their recruitment strategies to target all three cohorts (family-, job- and practice-focussed GPs). A single brand (practice) can have multiple advertising strategies with each strategy involving advertising activities targeting a particular consumer segment. What is known about the topic? Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the health industry. A wide range of government strategies and incentives have sought to increase GP numbers in areas of need, especially rural and Indigenous communities. However, declining GP to patient ratios in such sectors suggest new recruitment strategies are needed. To know how effective new strategies might be, it would also be useful to know whether practices have already adopted such strategies in their recruitment advertising. What does this paper add? This paper reports results from an empirical study showing that the overall GP market can be segmented into cohorts of GPs who similarly value attributes of a GP position. The research finds three discrete cohorts in the GP market: practitioners who have job, family or practice dominant preferences. This finding can be used to improve GP recruitment by designing recruitment strategies targeting the cohorts. The study also demonstrates that rural (and urban) practices have, either intentionally or unintentionally, been attracting only one of the three GP cohorts. What are the implications for practitioners? A segmented GP market suggests two alternative strategies. One option is for general practices to design recruiting strategies that target members of a single cohort (family-, job-, or practice-focussed GPs). The other option suggested by our research is for general practices to diversify their recruitment strategies to target all three cohorts (family-, job- and practice-focussed GPs).


Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Andra Poruțiu ◽  
Olivia Paula Tirpe ◽  
Camelia Oroian ◽  
Valentin C. Mihai ◽  
Gabriela O. Chiciudean ◽  
...  

Consumer behavior plays an important role in establishing the marketing strategies of a tourism destination. Analysis of traveling motivation offers valuable information regarding the characteristics and trends of tourism demand. In this context, the aim of this paper is to determine tourists’ preferences regarding rural tourism destinations. To achieve the purpose of the paper, a survey was conducted among tourists from rural areas of Cluj County. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests were applied to determine if there were any significant differences among different groups. The results revealed that the respondents prefer to travel in small groups, especially during summer. They are concerned about the security and safety of the destination, and the price also plays an important role in choosing a tourism destination. Cultural attractions and adventure tourism possibilities are more appreciated by younger respondents. Future research should focus on post-pandemic tourist behavior and new tourist products should be developed to fulfill tourists’ expectations.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Maree Glenister ◽  
John Guymer ◽  
Lisa Bourke ◽  
David Simmons

Abstract Background: Most Australians visit a General Practitioner annually and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which canaBackground:Most people in Australia visit a General Practitioner each year and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care, including older people and people living with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year with people who had accessed one practice, or none.Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16+ were eligible to participate in the adult survey.Results: Most people had attended a single general practice (78.9%), while 14.4% attended more than one practice and 6.7% attended no practices in the previous 12 months. Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the previous year was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97-0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22-3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22-2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04-1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p<0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p=0.006) than single practice attendees. Conclusions: Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall. reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care such as older people or those with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year. Methods A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16+ were eligible to participate. Results Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the past year (14.3%) was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97-0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22-3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22-2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04-1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p<0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p=0.006) than single practice attendees. Conclusions Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.


2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin A. Fisher ◽  
John D. Fraser

Objective.This paper describes stages in the research literature related to recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural health careers. Data sources.Electronic databases accessed included Medline, CINAHL, Social Sciences and Humanities. Key search terms included ‘high school’, ‘career choices’, ‘rural’, ‘attachment’, ‘recruitment’ and ‘retention’. Data synthesis.We identified four stages: (1) making career choices; (2) being attached to place; (3) taking up rural practice; and (4) remaining in rural practice. This is termed the ‘rural pipeline’. However, as some stages of the ‘rural pipeline’ refer specifically to the medical profession, we propose an extension of the notion of the medical ‘rural pipeline’ to include other professions such as nursing, midwifery and allied health. Conclusions.Utilising the ‘rural pipeline’ as a template for medicine, nursing and allied health would strengthen current approaches to the recruitment and retention of professionals in rural areas and provide a consolidated evidence base that would assist in policy development to improve availability and service provision of the rural health workforce. Future research that utilises a multidisciplinary approach could explore how the role and relationship between place and identity shape needs of career choices and would provide important information to advance the practical aspects supporting rural health career pathways. What is known about the topic?A universal shortage of rural health professionals is a significant issue and is becoming critical in rural areas of Australia. Although there have been many studies, internationally and in Australia, there are several gaps in recruitment and retention of rural health professionals that require further attention. What does this paper add?This paper examines workforce studies related to recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural health careers. The pipeline, however, refers mainly to the medical profession. The stages in this paper extend the notion of the medical ‘rural pipeline’ to include other professions such as nursing and allied health. This paper focusses on literature concerning developed countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA and Canada and identifies several proposed areas of future research. What are the implications for practitioners?The literature clearly identifies important issues for the rural health workforce. Having an understanding of the key issues underpinning the recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural areas allows the development and enhancement of appropriate workforce strategies. Utilising the ‘rural pipeline’ as a template for medicine, nursing and allied health would strengthen current approaches to the recruitment and retention of professionals in rural areas and provide a consolidated evidence base.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Maree Glenister ◽  
John Guymer ◽  
Lisa Bourke ◽  
David Simmons

Abstract Background: Most people in Australia visit a General Practitioner each year and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care such as older people or those with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year with people who had accessed one practice or none.Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16+ were eligible to participate in the adult survey.Results: Most people had attended a single general practice (78.9%), while 14.4% attended more than one practice and 6.7% attended no practices in the previous 12 months. Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the previous year was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97-0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22-3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22-2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04-1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance were reported as availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p<0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p=0.006) than single practice attendees.Conclusions: Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Maree Glenister ◽  
John Guymer ◽  
Lisa Bourke ◽  
David Simmons

Abstract Background: Most Australians visit a General Practitioner annually and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care such as older people or those with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year. Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16 + were eligible to participate. Results: Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the past year (14.3%) was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97–0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22–3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22–2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04–1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p < 0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p = 0.006) than single practice attendees. Conclusions: Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.


HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 558c-558
Author(s):  
Jennifer B. Neujahr ◽  
Karen L.B. Gast

Consumer behavior research seems to play an big role in determining the wants and needs of an industry. This research helps to shape the way we market to the consumers and helps make marketing strategies more effective. In the 1950s grocery stores began to sell horticulture products in order to alleviate the growers' surplus. Supermarkets now have seem to found their niche in this market due to the fact that they can influence their consumers to buy their flowers right along with their bread, and get all of their shopping done at once. This new type of sale, commonly referred to as the impulse sale, can relate directly to how well the store is merchandised and maintained. A study was conducted at a local supermarket, to determine the following: good locations for impulse sales items, special conditions affecting impulse sales items, and what types of things could affect demand for impulse items. It was discovered that certain locations make better sales than other locations. Locations that were front and center and allowed easy access to seeing the mixed flower bouquet without having to touch it yielded the best results. The variables used to show a change in demand showed little to some variability and has raised some questions which may be used to conduct future research.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Taylor ◽  
Eileen McKinlay ◽  
Caroline Morris

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Standing orders are used by many general practices in New Zealand. They allow a practice nurse to assess patients and administer and/or supply medicines without needing intervention from a general practitioner. AIM To explore organisational strategic stakeholders’ views of standing order use in general practice nationally. METHODS Eight semi-structured, qualitative, face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants representing key primary care stakeholder organisations from nursing, medicine and pharmacy. Data were analysed using a qualitative inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Three key themes emerged: a lack of understanding around standing order use in general practice, legal and professional concerns, and the impact on workforce and clinical practice. Standing orders were perceived to extend nursing practice and seen as a useful tool in enabling patients to access medicines in a safe and timely manner. DISCUSSION The variability in understanding of the definition and use of standing orders appears to relate to a lack of leadership in this area. Leadership should facilitate the required development of standardised resources and quality assurance measures to aid implementation. If these aspects are addressed, then standing orders will continue to be a useful tool in general practice and enable patients to have access to health care and, if necessary, to medicines without seeing a general practitioner.


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