Mental health patients find it harder to access GPs, study finds

Mental health patients in New Zealand face significantly worse experiences in primary healthcare compared to those without mental health conditions, according to a national study conducted by the University of Otago.

The study, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, analysed responses from a Health Quality and Safety Commission survey that asked about people's experiences with general practice services.

The findings revealed critical barriers to accessing care, with 26.8 percent of mental health patients unable to secure a GP appointment in the past year, compared to 19.6 percent of the general population.

Deep-rooted systemic issues

Lead researcher Ruth Cunningham said the disparities reflected deep-rooted systemic issues, including stigma and the pressures on the healthcare system itself.

"When the system is under stress... our cognitive biases come through, and we're even more likely to treat people differently because of those biases," she said.

"In those cases... providers [need to] think about the experience that people with mental health conditions are having [at the doctor.. but [it] can become harder when the system is under stress."

Cunningham emphasised the importance of medical professionals being aware of their biases and how these affect patient care.

"The way in which a diagnosis of mental health conditions, problematic substance or addiction, can get in the way of providing high-quality care is not something that is often talked about, but is a very important issue."

Stigma also discourages patients from seeking care, Cunningham noted.

"Experiences of stigma and discrimination... understandably [lead people to] disconnect from the provider or they simply don't go back."

Connection and representation

The study highlighted that disparities were even more significant for Māori with mental health conditions, who consistently reported greater challenges in accessing care, feeling respected, and having their concerns heard by healthcare providers.

For instance, Māori with mental health conditions were 7.7 percent more likely than non-Māori to report difficulties in securing a GP appointment within the past year.

Cunningham pointed to the need for a more diverse healthcare workforce to improve patient-provider relationships.

"For Māori, the difference in care was exacerbated... even more adverse experiences of care," she said.

"This is all about connection and relationships... and increasing Māori and Pasifika healthcare workforce representation. The patient needs to connect to their providers and, if that doesn't happen, they might not come back to seek treatment."

Despite the disparities, Cunningham said there were positive developments within the healthcare system.

"But we must continue to listen, address biases, and ensure care meets everyone's needs. Even in a stressed system, treating people with kindness and respect remains essential."