Nurses have scored the highest in a survey of Irish professionals followed closely by family doctors. However, estate agents and politicians were at the bottom of the public's list.
The survey, commissioned by the Irish College of General Practitioners, found that 93 per cent of patients questioned held nurses in high regard, followed by 88 per cent for the family doctor, 84 per cent for teachers and 75 per cent for gardai. But in the shortlist of 12 occupations estate agents were at 23 per cent and politicians 17 per cent. The survey was carried out in February.
ICGP chairman, Dr Michael Coughlan, said he welcomed the positive findings for GPs but cautioned doctors against resting on their laurels. "If there are people who are dissatisfied, we need to know why," he said.
The survey was carried out as part of the build-up to the world conference of family doctors, WONCA, which is being hosted by the ICGP in Dublin, beginning on June 14th. According to the chairman of the organising committee, Dr Michael Boland, both surveys were designed to provide a benchmark of general practice in Ireland so that Irish doctors may compare themselves with international colleagues. "The theme of the World Conference is `People and their family doctors - partners in care.' We thought it would be appropriate to establish just how healthy the partnership with our patients is and where we can improve it."
The survey also revealed that the most frequent users of GP services tended to hold nurses, doctors, chemists and dentists in higher regard. While general attitudes towards GPs were positive, there was a considerable gap between their above average score among older adults and a below average score at younger level.
The positive disposition towards GPs was comparatively higher in rural areas and particularly apparent among current medical card holders, which represents a third of the total adult population.
Over one in five people attend their GPs monthly, over a third every six months, and a fifth on a yearly basis. Medical card holders attend their family doctor with much greater frequency, averaging over six visits a year, compared with 2.8 visits for private patients.
The most likely reasons for a visit to the doctor's surgery were blood in urine (91 per cent), unusual skin rash (76 per cent), sudden sharp chest pain (68 per cent), deep cut (39 per cent), flu symptoms (38 per cent).