This thesis results from a multi-method study into why GPs in Australia resist the adoption of technology capable of collecting, amalgamating and potentially transferring patient health data outside their practice. Findings indicate effective strategies to overcome GP resistance and improve diffusion of such technology should emphasise patient benefits rather than change to the GP role.

This study has developed and evaluated two instruments, a questionnaire, the Grief Diagnostic Instrument, and an interview, the Grief Diagnostic Interview to detect and measure the extant state of grief in general practice patients. These instruments investigate grief from past, present and impending death and non-death related losses occurring directly to the patient, as well as caused indirectly through experiencing grief in sympathy with the grief of others. The unique feature of these instruments is that they investigate grief from all losses rather than merely a single loss. The questionnaire was demonstrated to be a concise, valid, reliable and sensitive measure, and acceptable to general practice patients. It is suitable for epidemiological studies to detect a broad range of losses and to investigate the prevalence and severity of grief in general practice patients. It is also suitable for comparing the course and severity of grief between losses and identifying commonalities and differences. The interview was found to be an acceptable and valid instrument for undertaking clinical studies. Suggestions for further evaluation of the instruments, and for their uses in grief research and as clinical tools have been proposed. The findings that 2/3 of the general practice population studied were experiencing loss and that over 1/4 of all subjects were suffering moderate or severe grief, demonstrate grief to be a previously unrecognised significant mental health issue for general practice. The most frequently encountered loss categories were 'quality of life', 'death', 'separation' and 'job'. Non-death related losses accounted for 4/5 of all the losses detected. The lack of recognition of grief by subjects was demonstrated, particularly relating to migration and relocation. The hypothesis that loss and grief are under diagnosed and under treated in general practice is supported. This indicates the need for a new paradigm of loss and grief in general practice and for large-scale studies to investigate grief in general practice patients and the detection rate by general practitioners. / Thesis (M.D.)--Department of General Practice, Department of Public Health, 2003.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy / This thesis explores the barriers that are preventing large numbers of permanent resident overseas-trained doctors (PROTDs) from working as general practitioners (GPs) in rural New South Wales (NSW). It focuses specifically on doctors from non-English speaking backgrounds who are permanent residents of Australia or Australian citizens, and who migrated to Australia for reasons other than employment. This thesis explores the views and perceptions of PROTDs and does not specifically consider the views of other stakeholders. Archival, qualitative and quantitative research techniques have been used to determine the suitability of the policies and practices governing the appointment and registration of PROTDs in NSW, and to identify any policy changes required. This research demonstrates that the policies governing medical registration in NSW have frequently been driven by political factors, and have, at times, been used to control the size of the medical workforce. As a consequence of these policies, many PROTDs have been prevented from working as a doctor in NSW. Of particular concern is the lack of training or clinical experience available to PROTDs and their difficulties preparing for, and passing, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations. The lack of accurate information regarding the requirements and opportunities for medical practice in NSW is also a major problem. PROTDs in NSW are unable to get the training and support they need to meet the requirements for medical registration in NSW and are rapidly losing their confidence, and their clinical skills. Not all PROTDs are going to have, or be able to acquire, the skills and knowledge required for general practice in rural NSW. However the need for additional doctors is sufficiently great to warrant a proactive approach from governments and relevant agencies. In the seven years it has taken to complete this research, most of the discriminatory aspects of the assessment and registration of PROTDs in NSW have been removed. However the legacy of previous policies and practices remains and a large number of PROTDs remain out of the medical workforce.

This thesis results from a multi-method study into why GPs in Australia resist the adoption of technology capable of collecting, amalgamating and potentially transferring patient health data outside their practice. Findings indicate effective strategies to overcome GP resistance and improve diffusion of such technology should emphasise patient benefits rather than change to the GP role.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Community Medicine, 1991. / Result of a research project undertaken within the Department of Primary Health Care, Flinders Medical Centre ... part of a larger study which has been funded by the Research Into Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee of the Commonwealth Department of Health. Typescript (Photocopy). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of New South Wales, 2003. / Also available online.

Thesis (PhD) - Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology - 2008. / Submitted as partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, 2008. Bibliography: p. 357-371.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2005. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Bibliography: leaves 554-636. Examines aspects of teaching medical students communication skills at a time when they are entering their clinical years. Integrates reports of 12 data-gathering exercises centred on medical student communication skills with the international literature, and with the author's reflections as an experienced educator and G.P. Recommends that communication skills training in a general practice setting should be a crucial factor in all future training of medical students.