A change in the training of nurses and other health and social care professionals could lead to these professionals undertaking roles currently performed by GPs. Some believe that with up-skilling and skill mix, much of the work currently done by GPs could be done by others. Patients, however, still expect to see a doctor, although this may also change. This change could be driven by a need to improve efficiency, provide a cost-effective service, and deliver high-quality care.

There are historical trends of nurses increasingly taking a leading role in some areas of care, for example hygiene and infection control, and this is likely to continue. The role of the GP may focus much more on diagnoses and certain technical procedures, as well as managing complex teams and systems.

Proposed workforce impact

• There is a potential increase in the number of nurses and other health and social care professionals.
• There is a potential decrease in the number of GPs.
• Potential changes to the training pathway for care professionals take place.

Sources or references

• Workforce Service Reviews, Health Workforce New Zealand; http://www.healthworkforce.govt.nz/
• Doctors and nurses in emergency care: where are the boundaries now, Trauma; http://tra.sagepub.com/content/6/3/211.abstract

Additional research questions

• Are there similar trends in other countries?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.