Showing papers in "Australian Journal of Rural Health in 1997"
TL;DR: The optimum period of stay in rural practice should be reconsidered, such that moderate stays should be rewarded in a way that retains the doctors in some form of rural, or near-rural practice.
Abstract: Retention of rural doctors remains difficult because of complex factors that influence decisions of medical families. This study explores the reasons why Queensland rural doctors left their communities during 1995. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with contactable former rural doctors who claimed that they had entered rural practice with the intention to stay for a substantial period of time. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using NUD.IST software. Participants appeared to be subject to a dynamic balance between opposing pressures to stay and pressures to leave. In time, they became susceptible to 'triggers' to leave. These triggers were sometimes locality-specific and could be difficult to address, particularly without early intervention. We believe that it should be possible to develop strategies that address specific concerns of rural doctors, particularly if they are identified early. The optimum period of stay in rural practice should be reconsidered, such that moderate stays should be rewarded in a way that retains the doctors in some form of rural, or near-rural practice.
125 citations
TL;DR: Health service providers in rural areas need to understand differences and difficulties when offering services to impact on rural dwellers' well-being.
Abstract: Attitudes to health and illness may differ between rural and urban dwellers. Issues that may relate to the provision of health services to rural dwellers are raised for consideration. The response of urban dwellers to illness or disability has often been linked to discomfort caused by pain or cosmetic attractiveness, while for rural dwellers the response to illness or disability is often related to the degree to which the illness or disability affects productivity. Often the rural resident will postpone seeking medical or associated services until it is economically or socially convenient. The notion of exposing their private lives to strangers or acquaintances from the local based services or to undertake the journey to distant services where the cultural or behavioural differences could be misunderstood, may impact on rural dwellers' well-being. Health service providers in rural areas need to understand such differences and difficulties when offering services.
122 citations
TL;DR: Concerns around privacy may be acutely experienced by young rural women, and health services providers need to be aware of these issues and efforts needs to be made to address and allay the apprehensions of young people in this sensitive area.
Abstract: Survey and focus group discussions examining sexual health issues for young people were conducted with 1168 year 8 and year 10 secondary school students living in small rural communities across Australia. Growing up in the country was generally perceived as a positive experience; however, many young people felt that they had little privacy. Two main areas of concern emerged in relation to sexual health issues: worries about being recognised in public venues such as doctor's surgeries and chemists, and the informal mechanisms among peer groups that appraised and regulated sexual behaviour and attitudes. There were some significant gender differences evident in the expectations and experiences attached to these concerns, with girls expressing more awareness of and concern towards their public reputations when accessing sexual health services. They also felt that their sexual reputations among peers were closely monitored by way of their behaviour and appearance. This can militate against confident and assertive safer sex strategies such as condom use, when initiating or insisting upon condom use is construed as evidence of promiscuity or a preparedness to engage in sex. Concerns around privacy may be acutely experienced by young rural women, and health services providers need to be aware of these issues and efforts need to be made to address and allay the apprehensions of young people in this sensitive area.
65 citations
TL;DR: Driving a tractor was the activity which was most frequently described as increasing symptoms in both neck pain and headache, and farmers are exposed to whole-body vibration and assume a rotated neck posture.
Abstract: The prevalence of headache and neck pain in farmers was determined by use of a questionnaire. Information about activities which increased the symptoms and about the treatments sought was also recorded. Results showed that 77.7% of farmers experienced neck pain and 79.2% experienced headache. Driving a tractor was the activity which was most frequently described as increasing symptoms in both conditions. While driving a tractor, farmers are exposed to whole-body vibration and assume a rotated neck posture. The contribution of these factors to the development of headache and neck pain is discussed.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe patterns of suicide in young people in rural communities, and draw attention to the complex factors that influence deaths by suicide by young people, with particular attention to completed suicides in young adults.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns of suicide in young people in rural communities. Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention and Australian Bureau of Statistics data are used to discuss regional and gender differences in suicide rates, with particular attention to completed suicides in young people. The regional distribution completed suicide in young people and gender differences in suicide rates are identified. Trends in the methods of suicide chosen by young people are also described. Patterns of male self-destructive behaviour are emphasised. The paper, as a whole, draws attention to the complex factors that influence deaths by suicide in young people. The factors implicated are associated mainly with suicide in young males, but much of the literature speculates on rather than demonstrates their influence. As the competing explanations have not been systematically evaluated, further research is required to establish the causal processes involved and to provide a firmer foundation for suicide prevention programs and services for those who live in suicide's aftermath. Language: en
35 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that the development of new rural nursing roles identifies rural nursing as a major specialist area within the wider profession of nursing and, at the same time, recognises the reality of practice for many rural nurses.
Abstract: This paper discusses the complex and interrelated roles of the rural nurse and doctor. These roles are viewed as being complementary to each other in any healthcare setting, but more so within the context of rural Australia. The current move towards the development of advanced nurse practitioner roles is often clouded by unnecessary medical fears that nurses are attempting to displace doctors. In contrast, this paper argues that the development of new rural nursing roles identifies rural nursing as a major specialist area within the wider profession of nursing and, at the same time, recognises the reality of practice for many rural nurses. Individual public figures may perceive the solution to the shortage of rural doctors to lie in their replacement with nurses. The nursing profession, however, will resist this approach. Nursing is not the first rung on the ladder to a career in medicine. Nurses are educated and acknowledged to focus their practice on the clients' responses to healthcare problems and not the practice of medicine. The primary role of the nurse is to provide care. The primacy of care should not be set aside by those nurses seeking to develop their practice, not should advanced practice be defined in terms of taking on tasks previously carried out by other healthcare professionals.
25 citations
TL;DR: A study conducted in the south-west region of Western Australia illustrates the ability of women within rural communities to identify and respond constructively to health issues of concern.
Abstract: Rural women face a variety of health-related problems, some of which they share with their city sisters. However, the multiple responsibilities of women on the land, and their geographical isolation and lack of support, can lead to physical decline and increased mental strain. It is these factors which are often overlooked in the planning and allocation of funding and services to rural areas. This paper examines the application of community competence and empowerment measures in developing and implementing health services for women in rural Australian communities. A study conducted in the south-west region of Western Australia illustrates the ability of women within rural communities to identify and respond constructively to health issues of concern.
22 citations
TL;DR: General practitioners in five rural divisions in New South Wales completed questionnaires designed to assess the degree to which various stressors were present in their work environment; the degree that these stressors distressed them; their general stress; and their general health.
Abstract: General practitioners (GPs) in five rural divisions in New South Wales completed questionnaires designed to assess the degree to which various stressors were present in their work environment; the degree to which these stressors distressed them; their general stress: and their general health. Results published in a previous paper showed that high occupational stress in doctors was associated with high general stress and poor general health. Results reported in this paper showed that male doctors were more stressed than female doctors, GPs working on a full-time basis were more stressed than those working on a part-time basis, GPs who were also working as visiting medical officers were more stressed than those who did not work in this capacity, and younger GPs were more stressed than older GPs. High workload, governments' interference with their work, and family and leisure concerns were the major stressors for rural GPs.
21 citations
TL;DR: With the bulk of psychosocial disorder concentrated in general practice, with the evident association of mental illness with physical illness and social problems, and with the lack of specialist resources in rural areas, innovative ways of support from other mental health professionals need to be addressed.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the extent and nature of psychosocial morbidity and patterns of treatment and referral in rural general practice in a West Australian community. The research design was a survey based on structured questionnaires completed by the general practitioners about patients consulting with mental health problems in Bunbury in the rural south west region of Western Australia. Twenty-two general practitioners from five surgeries collected information on 428 patients, pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics, reasons for encounter, diagnoses, social problems, chronicity, counselling, medication and use of referral services. The positive stereotype of patients (i.e. most likely to be identified) consisted of a female preponderance in a ratio of 3:1, a high prevalence in the middle years (35-54), an overrepresentation of the divorced and separated, unemployed men and housewives. Neurosis was the most prevalent diagnosis at 68.5%, chronicity at 55%, and the most frequent social problems reported to the GPs related to relationship difficulties with partner, and being physically ill. Only a quarter of the patients were referred to other counselling services and social problems were an important reason for referral. Particular attention needs to be given to the negative stereotype in general practice of young people under the age of 25. With the bulk of psychosocial disorder concentrated in general practice, with the evident association of mental illness with physical illness and social problems, and with the lack of specialist resources in rural areas, innovative ways of support from other mental health professionals need to be addressed.
20 citations
TL;DR: This study found young women's concern about the attitudes of medical and non-medical staff alike, the atmosphere of surgery or clinic, and gender of doctor all to be important factors in their general use of health services, regardless of location.
Abstract: In light of the current and ongoing threats to young women's health of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmissible diseases (including HIV/AIDS), assured access to appropriate and sensitive health services is of paramount importance. In this article, the results of a recent Victorian study involving rural and urban female secondary school students on issues relating to sexual health are reported. Drawing upon the findings of an extensive self-report questionnaire, young women's attitudes towards and use of health services are presented with a particular focus upon the variations that exist between the rural and urban populations. Apart from issues associated with privacy, which were found to be more crucial to rural young women's decisions to seek medical care, this study found young women's concern about the attitudes of medical and non-medical staff alike, the atmosphere of surgery or clinic, and gender of doctor all to be important factors in their general use of health services, regardless of location.
18 citations
TL;DR: An historical overview and recent developments of Federal Government initiatives focused on education as one of the key elements in addressing rural general practice workforce needs are provided.
Abstract: A number of Federal Government initiatives have focused on education as one of the key elements in addressing rural general practice workforce needs. This article provides an historical overview and recent developments.
TL;DR: Public healthcare campaigns as well as proper training for the rural prescribers could be helpful in improving the present poor rural healthcare system in Bangladesh.
Abstract: In Bangladesh, the government healthcare system remains a very minor source of health care for rural households. The availability of registered physicians is scare in rural areas, and the people, the majority of whom are underweight as indicated by body mass index measurement have to depend on pharmacy salespersons, quacks and herbal or spiritual healers. Unlike Australia, almost every pharmacy salesperson illegally recommends and sells prescription medicines. In addition, there are also unqualified village 'doctors' who do not own a pharmacy shop but provide written prescriptions. However, the treatments provided by these village 'doctors' remain open to question, with instances of maltreatment or inadequate treatment. The treatments are mostly symptomatic and polypharmacy is common, with antibiotics and vitamins prescribed widely. On the other hand, rural people sometimes do not buy all the drugs that are prescribed for them, partly because of financial constraint. In addition, self-medication is common. While family planning and immunisation are slowly becoming popular among rural families, general health knowledge is still poor. Public healthcare campaigns as well as proper training for the rural prescribers could be helpful in improving the present poor rural healthcare system.
TL;DR: The view that nurses working in the area of rural palliative care are in an optimum position to establish the kind of relationship with patients and informal carers that augments a sense of involvement, self determination, equity and trust is supported.
Abstract: Despite the fact that terminally ill patients are approaching the end-stage of their lives, the need for information and continuing involvement in their own care remains paramount and does not necessarily diminish as their dependency increases. This paper supports the view that nurses working in the area of rural palliative care are in an optimum position to establish the kind of relationship with patients and informal carers that augments a sense of involvement, self determination, equity and trust. This is of particular significance to rural palliative care where service provision may be under-resourced and where domiciliary nurses are often the key provider for continuing care and support.
TL;DR: The shortage of referral services and the poor communication with mental health specialists were of concern to the GPs in this study and proposed strategies to overcome these barriers were discussed.
Abstract: The objective of this needs analysis was to explore the ‘upskilling’ needs of rural general practitioners in specified areas of mental health. Their perceptions of the difficulties in managing special groups of patients and in referring to the mental health services were reported. Fifty-six per cent of general practitioners servicing four rural areas in the south-west of Western Australia participated in completing a structured questionnaire. The unmet educational needs consisted of Jive types of counselling: crisis, individual, family, marital and parenting. Groups that the GPs perceived as being difficult to manage were adolescents and youth, and Aboriginals and migrants. The shortage of referral services and the poor communication with mental health specialists were of concern to the GPs in this study. Proposed strategies to overcome these barriers were discussed.
TL;DR: The importance of maintaining an awareness of the 'big picture' of rural health remains paramount if interventions designed to bring about improved health status are to tackle the underlying causes of the problems, minimise problems associated with lack of co-ordination between health authorities, and avoid duplication of activity.
Abstract: A major concern of many rural and remote communities, as they struggle to cope with the impacts of social, economic and demographic changes, is the effect of government policies on health services. The National Rural Health Strategy has evolved as the key framework guiding action for improving health services for people in rural and remote Australia. The importance of maintaining an awareness of the ‘big picture’ of rural health remains paramount if interventions designed to bring about improved health status are to tackle the underlying causes of the problems, minimise problems associated with lack of co-ordination between health authorities, and avoid duplication of activity. Given the communality of rural health problems across Australia, close co-operation and collaboration among rural health groups is vital in developing appropriate national rural health policy. At the same time rural communities must continue to participate actively in the policy formulation and implementation process.
TL;DR: It was found that this region required an additional 46 full-time general practitioners in 1995 if equity and social justice principles were to be met, and it is recommended that this critical shortage of rural general practitioners be assessed within two distinct time frames, namely short-term strategies (1996-1998) and medium- term strategies (1999-2005).
Abstract: The objective of this study was to provide the Tamworth Rural Training Unit with a clear understanding and practical strategic directions for contributing to an equitable distribution of rural general practitioners in the New England Area Health Service. A survey was sent to all 139 general practitioners practising in this region. The best and worst features of rural practice, both professionally and personally, were surveyed, as well as ways to attract more general practitioners to rural areas. It was found that this region required an additional 46 full-time general practitioners in 1995 if equity and social justice principles were to be met. Projecting to the year 2005, the total shortfall of full-time general practitioners in the New England Area Health Service amounts to 90. It is recommended that this critical shortage of rural general practitioners be assessed within two distinct time frames, namely short-term strategies (1996-1998) and medium-term strategies (1999-2005).
TL;DR: With the improvement in access to radiological systems, the WHO is now turning to improving the provision of ultrasound manuals and equipment.
Abstract: Radiology continues to play an important role in diagnosis and management of disease. The provision of radiology services to rural areas has represented a challenge to rural communities all over the world, particularly in developing countries. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Basic Radiological System (BRS) project to provide the specifications for a safe, inexpensive diagnostic imaging system for rural areas, together with radiological manuals. Several manufacturers now produce imaging equipment to the WHO-BRS standard and are meeting the WHO goal for providing ‘appropriate technology for better health’ in rural areas of developing countries. With the improvement in access to radiological systems, the WHO is now turning to improving the provision of ultrasound manuals and equipment.
TL;DR: The results showed that there was a marked tendency by staff to use non-accredited interpreters, and staff who used non- accreditation interpreters tended to inappropriately assess patient/client interpreting needs and to be unfamiliar with the Health Care Interpreter Policy.
Abstract: The current focus in health care is on total quality management (TQM), a process that involves ongoing quality improvement and benefits both internal and external customers. In order to comply with the values of TQM, the Griffith Murrumbidgee Health Service set up a team to review the use of interpreters in a healthcare setting. Staff from a number of wards/units filled out a survey sheet regarding interpreter services for each patient/client presenting for service during a 1-month period. The results showed that (i) there was a marked tendency by staff to use non-accredited interpreters; and (ii) staff who used non-accredited interpreters tended to inappropriately assess patient/client interpreting needs and to be unfamiliar with the Health Care Interpreter Policy. The TQM team subsequently devised several strategies for change.
TL;DR: The rural community of Dalwallinu found itself without a medical practitioner early in 1995 and believing recruitment of a replacement practitioner would be relatively straightforward, the Shire and the Hospital Board combined for this process.
Abstract: The rural community of Dalwallinu found itself without a medical practitioner early in 1995. Believing recruitment of a replacement practitioner would be relatively straightforward, the Shire and the Hospital Board combined for this process. Little did we realise that there would be many factors that would impinge upon our ability to recruit a general practitioner (GP) other than the availability of a suitably qualified practitioner. Locum availability, providing a furnished house, a motor car, becoming the employer of the locum practitioner, community reactions, government regulations on recruiting doctors trained overseas, Health Department restructures and the arbitrary regulations of professions all had a significant impact, not to mention the cost to the local council to provide a community service.
TL;DR: An outline of the Commonwealth Governments 1997/98 Budget intitiatives and existing rural and remote health support programs are provided.
Abstract: This article provides an outline of the Commonwealth Governments 1997/98 Budget intitiatives and existing rural and remote health support programs.
TL;DR: The attitudes of Aboriginal women in Darwin to the use of condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and their attitude to the possibility of using a female condom are investigated.
Abstract: This exploratory study investigated the attitudes of Aboriginal women in Darwin to the use of condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. An Aboriginal research assistant interviewed twelve women regarding their usage of and attitudes to the male condom and their attitude to the possibility of using a female condom. These women, like their ethnic minority counterparts in Africa and North America, had a fair level of knowledge about HIV, a low level of perceived risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, infrequent usage of male condoms with their partner, and negative attitudes to the male condom. Their attitude to the female condom was more positive. Educational programs and further research into the attitudes of women in remote communities are recommended.
TL;DR: It is remarkable that, despite the great differences between developed and developing countries, many issues of concern in rural practice and rural health services are the same around the world.
Abstract: The First International Conference on Rural Medicine held at Shanghai, China in May 1996 was a turning point in the growing international rural health movement. The first 3 days of the conference were held in the Shanghai Science Hall followed by 3 days in Fengxian County, including site visits and seminars about health services in that part of rural China. There were approximately 300 participants in the conference, which included presentations from 70 invited speakers and over 50 free-standing poster/papers involving personnel from 22 countries. Group discussions during the conference developed recommendations that were considered by plenary sessions and subsequently adopted as the final resolutions of the whole conference. It is remarkable that, despite the great differences between developed and developing countries, many issues of concern in rural practice and rural health services are the same around the world. The Second World Rural Health Congress will be held in Durban, South Africa, 14–17 September 1997.
TL;DR: Analysis of the effectiveness of a preceptor program in meeting the needs of first-year graduate nurses employed in a large rural hospital indicated that the graduates considered the program to be excellent and that it met their needs to a high degree.
Abstract: This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a preceptor program in meeting the needs of first-year graduate nurses employed in a large rural hospital. In particular, this project aimed to assess whether the program leads to improvement in the clinical skills of the graduate over the 12-month period of the program: the suitability of the program to meet the graduates' needs; and the perceptions of nursing unit managers, preceptors and enrolled nurses regarding the program. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to the above categories of nurses, as well as graduates. Results indicated that the graduates considered the program to be excellent and that it met their needs to a high degree, while the clinical nurses rated the program, between adequate and good. The paper will define the strengths and limitations of the program and the effect on recruitment and retention of nurses in a rural area.
TL;DR: The relatively high prevalence of contact dermatitis, high use of antibiotics, low level of precautionary behaviours and poor awareness of material safety data sheets indicates a need for farmer education.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of contact dermatitis among pig feed handlers, explore the association with exposure to in-feed antibiotics, and determine farmers' awareness of product safety information. One representative from each piggery in Queensland's Wide Bay Burnett Region was interviewed by telephone. Just over 21% of respondents had experienced dermatitis symptoms within the previous two years; 14.8% within the previous 12 months; and 6.7% had current symptoms. Use of at least one in-feed antibiotic was reported by 83.7%. The only antibiotic to show an association with the occurrence of dermatitis was tylosin. Precautionary behaviours were more common among those with dermatitis. Only 18% of respondents were aware of material safety data sheets. The relatively high prevalence of contact dermatitis, high use of antibiotics, low level of precautionary behaviours and poor awareness of material safety data sheets indicates a need for farmer education.
TL;DR: A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women.
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals regarding violence against women, and was funded under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program. Focus groups and teleconferences were conducted with health workers, organisations and key individuals in the Wide Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. As a result, an education package has been designed that will provide specific training in violence against women for rural and remote health professionals working in the field. Rural health community workers identified the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women. A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet this need. Six areas were identified as important learning needs and included: (i) violence against women as a public health concern; (ii) The role of the community health worker; (iii) How the community health worker can empower women experiencing violence in their lives; (iv) Enhancing and developing supportive networks; (v) Building on community development action; and (vi) 'Where to next' for community health workers.
TL;DR: The approach taken by the Broken Hill centre is focused on providing practical, population-based training and education that should enable health professionals to apply their knowledge and skills in ways appropriate to the needs of remote communities.
Abstract: This paper outlines recent developments in relation to the proposed university departments of rural health, and highlights how the principles (articulated by the Commonwealth government) for the establishment of these departments are being addressed in Broken Hill. The approach taken by the Broken Hill centre is focused on providing practical, population-based training and education that should enable health professionals to apply their knowledge and skills in ways appropriate to the needs of remote communities.
TL;DR: A four-phase project involving paper- and computer-based patient information systems was implemented at nursing clinics on islands off the coast of Queensland, showing a marked improvement in the detail of patient records over the program period.
Abstract: This paper describes a ‘best practice’ demonstration program for monitoring nursing services in remote locations. A four-phase project involving paper and computer-based patient information systems was implemented at nursing climes on islands off the coast of Queensland. Patient demographics, diagnoses and details of health service provision were recorded. Results showed a marked improvement in the detail of patient records over the program period. Monitoring of services also provided useful planning and policy information for company management, while a systematic approach to maintaining patient records addressed several medico-legal issues.
TL;DR: A project that addressed knowledge, skills and awareness of road trauma in rural communities and strategies to maximise effective participation of community members and health workers in response to trauma is reported on.
Abstract: The work of the Road Trauma Support Team highlights the ongoing impact of road trauma on rural communities. Small population size and close social networks mean that road trauma can have a negative effect on social relations across the whole community. Much of the 'flow-on' effect of road trauma, in the form of community distress, can be alleviated by increased skills, information about responding to road trauma, and the establishment of supportive community networks. This paper reports on the implementation and evaluation of a project that addressed knowledge, skills and awareness of road trauma in rural communities. Funded by the Rural Health Support Education and Training (RHSET) program and conducted by the Road Trauma Support Team, the project focused on the impact of traumatic events in small communities and strategies to maximise effective participation of community members and health workers in response to trauma. Piloted in six rural communities in northern Tasmania, the project has developed an educational resource package.
TL;DR: To compare the incidence/prevalence of diseases in persons attending for ambulatory care at a Queensland Aboriginal community and a farming area in western Queensland, data were analysed for attendances for disease management from 1 May 1994 to 31 April 1995 and from 1 March 1995 to 28 February 1996.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence/prevalence of diseases in persons attending for ambulatory care at a Queensland Aboriginal community and a farming area in western Queensland. Data were analysed for attendances for disease management from 1 May 1994 to 31 April 1995 at Cherbourg Hospital and from 1 March 1995 to 28 February 1996 at Alpha Hospital. Over these periods the hospitals and associated clinics were the only local ambulatory services available to each community. The numbers of visits for management of disease were 6.0 per person per year at Cherbourg and 4.3 per person per year at Alpha. At each location 78% of the population visited the service for disease management. At Cherbourg, the commonest diagnoses were skin diseases, mainly associated with scabies, accidents and injuries, and respiratory diseases. At Alpha the commonest problems were accidents and injuries, and respiratory disorders, followed by musculoskeletal, skin and CNS disorders. The rate of diabetes was higher in the Cherbourg group, bid involved only 5% of the population and was thus not a major cause for the use of health services. The rate of visits for cardiovascular disease at Alpha and Cherbourg were similar, but the percentage of persons involved was smaller at Cherbourg. Accidents and injuries, and respiratory diseases were common in both locations. Skin disease, mainly due to scabies, was a major problem in the Aboriginal community and led to many admissions. Many visits involved potentially preventable diseases.
TL;DR: The patterns of distribution of the psychosocial illness in relation to sex, age, diagnostic category, chronicity, the level of reporting of morbidity and treatment and referral were consistent with the findings of other studies.
Abstract: A survey of psychosocial morbidity in general practice was undertaken in a rural West Australian community. Twenty-two general practitioners collected information on 487 patients in a period of 5 weeks. The information comprised the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, their illness profile and patterns of treatment and referral. The methodological issues considered for such a survey related to the selection of participating doctors, the identification of appropriate cases, the acceptability of a diagnostic classification and the definition of the population at risk. The methodology assessment established the plausibility of the findings compared to other studies, and hence the adequacy of the methodology used. The patterns of distribution of the psychosocial illness in relation to sex, age, diagnostic category, chronicity, the level of reporting of morbidity and treatment and referral were consistent with the findings of other studies.