New research into a free Dunedin GP clinic shows care tends to involve ''administrative'' tasks more than exploring symptoms because patients tend to be conditioned to ill health.
Led by GP Dr Lik Loh, of the Dunedin School of Medicine, the research does not identify Servants Health Centre by name.
Servants opened in 2010 to help vulnerable patients.
Published in the New Zealand Medical Journal today, the study says sickness benefit medical certificates and prescription renewals were the most frequent triggers for attending the clinic.
''The daily experience of hardship makes marginalised groups likely to normalise ill health as part of ordinary life.''
''Such patterns of consulting are of concern because the 'triple whammy' of physical multimorbidity, mental illness and socioeconomic deprivation prevalent in the enrolled population at the free clinic are important determinants for adverse health outcomes, such as unplanned hospital admissions,'' the study says.
If possible, GPs should encourage patients into early exploration of symptoms to prevent deterioration of health, but it had to be done in a manner acceptable to patients.
Research about vulnerable and marginalised patients was limited in New Zealand.
''This report therefore has the potential to inform service planning at the practice level, as well as primary health policy interventions that target 'hard-to-reach' populations''.
The study examined medical notes between March and May 2013.
Servants Health Centre was approached for comment, but did not respond.
Servants Health Centre patients
Average age: 33.9
Maori: 24.9%
Patients: about 550GP
consultations per week: 49
