BACKGROUND: Chronic condition management in general practice is projected to account for 50% of all consultations by 2051. General practices under present workforce conditions will be unable to meet this demand. Nurse led collaborative care models of chronic disease management have been successful overseas and are proposed as one solution. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an interim report on a prospective randomised trial to investigate the acceptability, cost effectiveness and feasibility of a nurse led model of care for chronic conditions in Australian general practice. METHOD: A qualitative study focused on the impact of this model of care through the perceptions of practice staff from one urban and one regional practice in Queensland, and one Victorian rural practice. DISCUSSION: Primary benefits of the collaborative care model focused on increased efficiency and communication between practice staff and patients. The increased degree of patient self responsibility was noted by all and highlights the motivational aspect of chronic disease management.