Men's health, GPs, and 'GPs4Men'.

BACKGROUND

Men have poorer health outcomes than women in many areas, particularly cardiovascular health, workplace health and safety, and mental health. They tend to present later with health problems, attend general practitioners less frequently; and when they do present, have shorter consultations and are less likely to attend for preventive health checks.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses issues impacting on men's health, the GPs4Men network, and future directions for improving men's health.

DISCUSSION

GPs4Men, the Australian GPs Network for Men's Health, was formed in response to lack of policy and funding for men's health. The mission of GPs4Men is to improve the health of men, both nationally and individually, via greater community engagement by GPs, increased GP participation in population health activities for men, increased professional development in men's health, and the promotion of research into men's health. Collaboration between key bodies including The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, divisions of general practice, other medical and health organisations, and governments is required to address the problems in men's health.