Ranking of the need to address challenges:Mean scores as identified in Delphi rounds 4* and 5† (1—no need to address, 5—strong need to address)
| KEY CHALLENGES | MEAN SCORE (RANGE, MEDIAN SCORE) |
|---|---|
| Workload and time pressures, meeting demands | 4.48* (3–5, 5) |
| Need to promote the rewards identified to those who might consider family practice as a profession | 4.44* (3–5, 5) |
| Overhead and income inequities | 4.27† (2–5, 5) |
| Getting respect from specialists | 4.22† (2–5, 5) |
| Need to ensure that the rewards identified are not adversely affected by primary care reform | 4.0* (1–5, 5) |
| Availability of specialists, procedures, tests, and other resources | 3.88* (2–5, 4) |
| Running a practice—a small business | 3.87† (2–5, 4) |
| Paperwork, telephone calls, and forms | 3.72* (2–5, 4) |
| Maintaining and acquiring skills and knowledge | 3.67* (1–5, 4) |
| Patients’ expectations | 3.63* (2–5, 3.5) |
| Medicolegal issues, insurance paperwork, and motor vehicle accidents | 3.48* (1–5, 3) |