THE FORMATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONSUMER SOLUTIONS - ETHICS IN THEGENERAL-PRACTICE SETTING

A general practice research project on ethics is underway at the Unive rsity of New South Wales, funded by GPEP (General Practice Evaluation Program, Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health, GPEP 38 6). Ethical issues, as defined and explored by general practitioners a nd consumers, are being examined across four areas of Sydney. So far, telephone interviews have been conducted (64% response rate) with a ra ndom sample of general practitioners (GPs). Face-to-face interviews ha ve been conducted with 107 consumers, randomly sampled using ABS colle ction district information. Focus groups have been formed to discuss a cceptable solutions ttl GP and consumer identified ethical issues. Thi s report will report on some preliminary findings to date and will exp lore professional and consumer roles in the formation of ethical solut ions. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.