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

Objective: To detail the acute and chronic paediatric service and community-orientated activities and responsibilities of community-based general paediatricians. Methodology: Data were collected over the 12 months July 1996 to June 1997 relevant to (i) acute neonatology and paediatrics, (ii) the different community paediatric service organizations with which the paediatricians were involved, and (iii) the quantification of the amount of time spent in non-consulting paediatric work. Results: Findings revealed decreasing hospital admissions, infrequent severe neonatal resuscitation requirements, extensive involvement in community organizations and a great deal of time spent in non-consulting paediatric work. Conclusions: 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.