General practitioners (GPs) in Denmark are facing increasing workloads and longer waiting times, raising concerns about patient care and access to timely treatment. Despite recent health policy initiatives focusing on cancer and mental health, there is a perceived lack of attention to the crucial role and challenges faced by GPs.
The central role of general practitioners in the healthcare system cannot be overstated, as approximately 90% of patient pathways begin with a visit to a GP. These doctors are responsible for initial assessments and referrals to specialized services, making them the first point of contact for patients with health concerns.
Data indicates a concerning trend: while waiting times for specialized treatment may have decreased, waiting times to see a GP have been increasing. Some clinics are reporting waiting times of up to several weeks, a significant increase compared to previous years.
Several factors contribute to the increased workload and waiting times for GPs. These include demands from workplaces, insurance companies, and private healthcare services. Notably, a study from the University of Southern Denmark reveals a significant increase in the proportion of rejected referrals from 3% in 2018 to 15% in 2024.
This rise in rejected referrals places additional burden on GPs, as they are left to manage patients who require specialized treatment. This situation leads to increased waiting times for patients and frustration among both patients and doctors.
The current situation is exacerbated by a shortage of doctors and plans by the Danish Health Authority to assign even more tasks to GPs, aiming for them to handle 95% of all health inquiries, compared to the current 90%. GPs believe this goal to be unrealistic and will inevitably lead to longer waiting times.
While recent agreements to create additional training positions in general medicine are a step in the right direction, the benefits will not be felt for several years and may only be sufficient to cover the existing shortage of doctors.