ABSTRACT
In 1994 the North Eastern Health Board published a study, which ascertained the range of family planning services provided by General Practitioners (GPs) in the area. This study highlighted some service and training needs, which have since been addressed. This study has been repeated to evaluate service developments. All GPs on the NEHB mailing list were sent a pre-piloted questionnaire about the range of family planning services they provide, their referral patterns should they not provide the service themselves and their comments on how the health board could assist in the enhancement of family planning services. The data were analysed using the software package JMP and statistical analysis was carried out using either the Chi-square test or Fishers exact test. There was a response rate of sixty six percent. There has been a decrease in the number of GPs in single-handed practices (24% vs 50% in 1994) and an increase in the number of practices who employ a practice nurse. Almost one third of GPs providing family planning services are women (18% in 1994) and over half of GPs hold a family planning certificate (33% in 1994). The range of services provided has increased and more GPs are now fitting intrauterine contraceptive devices (19% vs 14%). This study highlights significant developments in the family planning service and indicates that general practice is capable of providing a fully comprehensive service.
