Primary Health Care & General PracticeConference Week 7
Monday (11am)|Di OHalloran
Primary health care:Socially appropriate, universally
accessible, scientifically sound first level care provided by a
suitably trained workforce supported by integrated referral systems
and in a way that gives priority to those in most need, maximises
community and individual self-reliance and participation and
involves collaboration with other sectors.Includes: Health
promotion Illness prevention Care of the sick Advocacy Community
development
When left to their own device, health systems do not gravitate
to primary health care this provides little towards equitable
health care and cost efficiency
General practice provides person centred, continuing,
comprehensive & coordinated whole person health care to
individuals and families in their communities. As a sector, GP and
their primary health care relationships comprise the foundations of
an effective health care system. GPs are defined by the
characteristics of their discipline which are:
Barbara Starfields studies showed good primary care is
associated with better health outcomes, lower costs & greater
health equity. Increasing GPs in a town is associated with lower
cost & better outcomes Increasing specialists in a town is
associated with higher cost & worse (or no change) in
outcomes
RACGP Future Quality GP GPs should be financially rewarded for
meeting treatment goalsMedical Home Basically a fancy name for GP
mega clinics GP centred care with specialists & allied health
which wrap around that.
4 Fold Model of Overview of Holistic Integrated Care
ModelQuadruple Aim of Holistic Integrated Care Model:Improve
peoples experience of careImprove health of populationImprove cost
effectivenessJoy in practice (doctors enjoying their work)
Risk stratification and register of patientsVery low risk (most
patients) low risk moderate risk high risk very high risk (least
patients)
Use risk modification to determine:1. Self management2. Care
planning and MDT3. Care navigation4. Case management
Key enablers: Patient engagement Funding and incentives IT and
communications (incl linking GPs and hospital) Governance and
quality improvement Clinical engagement and redesign
