Table 3.

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)