Table 3 Summary of themes and sub-themes

GPs’ perceptions of the role of CPs in primary health care

 Traditional role in dispensing prescribed medication

 Awareness of other CP roles

 Limited GP-CP interactions

Barriers to GP-CP collaboration

 Little recognition of benefits of collaboration

 Uncertainty about CPs’ competence in clinical services

 Poor potential for professional relationship continuity

 GPs’ reluctance to share their professional role

 CP role expansion seen as a threat to GP clinic income

Perceived resistance of patients to an increased role of CPs in their health care

 Inaccessibility

 Reluctance to pay more

Changes needed in the organization and funding of the healthcare system to facilitate greater GP–CP collaboration

 Facilitation of economies of scale within general practice

 Greater investment and changes in funding

 A shared electronic clinical record

Potential areas of GP practice in which CPs can contribute

 Coordinating the purchase of medications

 CPs as continuing medical educators

 CP-staffed helpline for GPs

 Medication reconciliation

 Chronic disease management

 Health promotion and screening