The evolving role of community‐based general paediatricians: The Barwon experience

Abstract

Ongoing training and upgrading in acute paediatric diagnostic and procedural skills, rationalization of resuscitation expertise, training in management and administrative skills and models of care for the chronically ill should become part of the training of community-based general paediatricians.

The Time and Practice Challenges of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics: An Australian National Study

“…23 In a regional Australian cohort, a similarly high prevalence of developmental/behavioral diagnoses was reported in general pediatric practice. 24 Pediatricians were shown to spend, on average, 1.5 hours a week on patient related nonconsulting activities. 24 Developmental/behavioral difficulties appeared to be as important to children's health as medical conditions, 25 with the worst health experienced by those with a combination of both.…”

“…24 Pediatricians were shown to spend, on average, 1.5 hours a week on patient related nonconsulting activities. 24 Developmental/behavioral difficulties appeared to be as important to children's health as medical conditions, 25 with the worst health experienced by those with a combination of both. Children with medical diagnoses may be assumed to be "sicker" than those with developmental or behavioral problems, but this is clearly not how they are perceived by their parents; in addition, having a combination of medical and developmental/ behavioral diagnoses seems to have cumulative negative associations with parent-reported child health.…”

Community paediatrics: Soft science or firm foundations?

“…The degree to which community paediatrics is now core clinical business within general paediatrics is perhaps best documented by the Barwon study, 9,10 which details the large percentage of practice time and effort occupied by work related to child development and behaviour and psychosocial issues including child protection.…”

Developmental–behavioural paediatrics in the 21st century

“…What does general paediatric practice look like in the 21st century? It is likely that more than half your outpatient referrals will relate to concerns regarding development and behaviour, rather than traditional medical presentations. Along with this change in the focus of new referrals, a large proportion of your review consultation work will be the management of children whose problems continue beyond the paediatric years and into adult life.…”