• Maria Gardiner, Roger Sexton, Mitchell Durbridge, and Kiara Garrard.
• School of Psychology, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. maria.gardiner@flinders.edu.au
• Aust J Rural Health. 2005 Jun 1; 13 (3): 149-55.

ObjectiveRetention of rural GPs is an increasing area of concern and is receiving considerable attention from the government, medical authorities and the media. This study aimed to examine the potential for psychological interventions to assist in the retention of rural GPs through targeting their psychological well-being.DesignGPs completed a questionnaire, including questions about their level of support in rural practice, psychological health (work-related morale and distress, distress related specifically to working in rural general practice, quality of work life) and intentions to leave rural practice.SettingRural general practices in South Australia.ParticipantsOne hundred and eighty-seven rural GPs.ResultsResults indicated that rural GPs who were seriously considering leaving rural practice had higher work-related distress, higher distress related specifically to working in a rural general practice and lower quality of work life. GPs who considered leaving rural practice also reported having fewer colleagues with whom to discuss professional issues.ConclusionResults indicated that psychological interventions (such as cognitive behavioural training), assistance with stress reduction and coping mechanisms (such as more interaction with colleagues) may be of benefit to GPs who are considering leaving rural practice. Such training may increase the number of GPs who ultimately stay in rural practice.

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