Understanding rural and remote divisions under a workforce framework.

In Australia, divisions of general practice are the organisational structures for local networks of general practitioners. They facilitate communication across the profession and with other parts of the health system and are established in urban, rural and remote areas. Funding is provided contractually to divisions through the Federal Government's Divisions and Projects Grants Program. The under-supply of doctors and other health professionals in rural and remote areas of Australia is a serious problem that has far-reaching effects. The present paper argues that if the Divisions and Projects Grants Program is to be effective in achieving its aims and objectives, then the Program's policies must be responsive to the different needs, roles, constraints, expectations and capabilities of divisions and their members as well as the structural impediments imposed by the medical workforce.