Consumer Perspectives on Anxiety Management in Australian General Practice

Erin Parker and Michelle Banfield
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Erin Parker: Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
Michelle Banfield: Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-23

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to explore consumer views on the management of anxiety in general practice, which is often the first service from which a consumer seeks professional support. We used a mixed methods survey to explore three broad research questions: (1) what are consumer experiences of anxiety management in general practice, (2) what do consumers prioritise when considering treatment for anxiety and what are their preferences for type of treatment, and (3) how do consumers think care for anxiety could be improved? Consumers reported generally positive views of their GP when seeking help for anxiety, though they had mixed experiences of the approach taken to treatment. Consumers noted that they prioritise effective treatment above other factors and are less concerned with how quickly their treatment works. A preference for psychological intervention or combined treatment with medication was apparent. Consumers noted that key areas for improving care for anxiety were improving access and funding for psychological treatments, increasing community knowledge about anxiety, and reducing stigma.

Keywords: anxiety; consumer perspectives; lived experience; general practice; experiences of care; primary care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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