Background: The Structure of Irish General Practice over 23 years was the third in a series of national studies that examined the development of general practice in 1982, 1992, and 2005.
Aims: This study analysed specific data from the 2005 survey to determine the types of services offered by GPs, and to examine the changes in access to diagnostic/treatment services from 1982 to 2005.
Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a stratified random sample of Irish GPs seeking information on their practice.
Results: 476 (87%) valid questionnaires were returned. The range of services offered by GPs had increased. Access to diagnostic/treatment services was limited, and varied considerably depending on the type of practice. Access to chest X-rays and skeletal X-rays had decreased.
Conclusions: Access to existing services must be increased, and significant resources must be put into the development of dedicated primary care services.