Rural GPs' management of vehicle related trauma

Abstract

Background: There is twice the morbidity and mortality resulting from vehicle related trauma in rural and remote areas than in metropolitan areas. Little is known about Australian rural general practitioners' management of those affected.

Methods: Seventeen rural GPs in North Queensland participated in semi-structured interviews for this exploratory study of the management of patients presenting with acute or chronic vehicle related trauma. Responses were analysed quantitatively and thematically.

Results: General practitioners reported more presentations of chronic than acute vehicle related trauma. Common injuries were soft tissue injury, whiplash and chronic pain syndromes. Vehicles most often involved were motorbikes, passenger cars and bicycles. Surgeons and physiotherapists were the most difficult service providers to access. Better coordination of rehabilitation and community support services is required.

Discussion: General practitioners in rural North Queensland manage patients with chronic vehicle related trauma without adequate access to specialised rehabilitation services. More training of GPs and practice staff and improved coordination of these services are required.