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A qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers and enablers of providing mental health care in rural Australian general practice

Belinda Fuss et al.

Journal of Health Services Research and Policy2025https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251319654article
AJG 2ABDC B
Weight
0.44

Abstract

Objectives: General practice plays an important role in delivering and supporting mental health care within communities, particularly for those living in rural areas where access to specialised support is limited. This study sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to providing mental health care in rural Australian general practices. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken involving online interviews with 14 staff at three rural Australian general practices between June and September 2023. Participants included nurses (n = 4), GPs, (n = 4), reception staff (n = 3) and practice managers (n = 3). Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Our analysis identified three themes: (i) systemic challenges and supportive infrastructure; (ii) health care personnel factors; and (iii) patient characteristics and preferences. Systemic challenges included limited access to services and specialist support, and challenges with information transmission, while the clinic location and set-up were seen as beneficial. Health care personnel factors included interpersonal needs and challenges, time constraints and how to balance care needs, and the difficulties of attracting and retaining a local workforce. Patient characteristics and preferences included societal stigma and individual hesitancy, lack of awareness, understanding and education around mental health and willingness and affordability of travel and using technology. Conclusions: Rural general practice in Australia faces a range of barriers and enablers that shape the provision of mental health care. To address these challenges, collaboration across various sectors will be required. Improving infrastructure, better resource allocation, addressing workforce shortages, reducing stigma, enhancing mental health literacy, and ensuring the accessibility of mental health care services are all crucial steps. It will be important to align policy goals across sectors to improve the delivery of mental health care in rural general practice in Australia.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251319654

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@article{belinda2025,
  title        = {{A qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers and enablers of providing mental health care in rural Australian general practice}},
  author       = {Belinda Fuss et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Health Services Research and Policy},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/13558196251319654},
}

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A qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers and enablers of providing mental health care in rural Australian general practice

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Evidence weight

0.44

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.32 × 0.4 = 0.13
M · momentum0.57 × 0.15 = 0.09
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.