Comparison and implication of general practice system in China and Australia

Objective To put forward new ideas and measures after field investigation for the actual situation of the Australian general practice system and compare with our present practice for insights and reference. Methods A postgraduate and a graduate of the standardized training of general practitioners who was working in Community Health Service were sent to attend field trip and intensive learning about general practice for 7 weeks in the University of Sydney, who attended general practice academic lectures, visited the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, apprenticed in general practice clinics, visited the hospital and nursing home and observed medical students' general practice professional courses and assessments. Then we compared and analyzed the similarities and differences between Chinese and Australian general practice systems. Results There are some differences of general practice between China and Australia in aspects of the role of general practice in hierarchical medical system, personnel training mode of general practice, self-identification and career path of general practitioner and system of exam and assessment. Conclusion It needs to further improve the referral procedures, intensify the connection between the general practitioner and the specialist, and strengthen the cooperation between the general practitioner and the nursing home, increase the proportion of general clinic services in hospitals, set up general practice course during the undergraduate, strengthen the training of doctor-patient communication ability, learn the thinking of diagnosis and treatment from the Australian general department, enrich the teaching model in class and probation, adjust the evaluation index of medical insurance scientifically, optimize the promotion system, encourage general practitioners to participate in collaborative research projects, further promote multi-site practice and encourage excellent doctors to choose general practice proactively on the basis of the development of general practice in China.