• L Betbeder-Matibet, Y Fridgant, M F Harris, B I O'Toole, E Comino, P Bolton, and G P Davies.
• School of Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.
• Aust Fam Physician. 2000 Apr 1; 29 (4): 378-83.

BackgroundDivisions of general practice are key structures for integration between general practice and other health services in Australia.AimTo compare the views of divisions of general practice toward integration of care with those of hospitals and community health services.MethodRepresentative national samples of public hospitals and community health centres (CHCs) and a census of divisions of general practice (DGP) were surveyed on their current collaborations and links as well as barriers to and factors that enhance integration between general practitioners and other health services.ResultsThere is wide agreement on the need for greater integration. Personal links (via letter, phone and face to face) were thought to be useful. However, general practice liaison officers were seen as especially useful. All organizations rated different accountabilities and responsibilities as a highly significant barrier. Resources, structures for collaboration and high level organisational support were rated as being more useful in enabling greater integration.ConclusionFormalizing collaboration will require changes to funding and accountability. However there is also a need for cultural change to support greater integration of patient care between general practice and both hospitals and community health services.

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