The Albury Wodonga Regional GP Network receives funding from the Department of Health & Ageing and other National and State based General Practice Networks to deliver support services in key areas of Primary Health Care to GPs.
Services include:
Practice Support
Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI)
ABHI is a package of programs aimed at promoting good health and reducing the burden of chronic disease for all Australians. The primary care integration focus brings together various aspects of the Health Care System so that hospitals, ambulatory care, primary health care and care in the community have clear funding, role delineation, paths of engagement and transition and are able to continually improve their use of both the workforce and technology. (From GPV website)
Aboriginal Health - Closing The Gap
An estimated 3500 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people reside in the Albury Wodonga region. The Albury Wodonga Regional GP Network is actively involved in supporting improvements in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health through the Aboriginal Health Project. The focus of the project is to develop strategies to improve access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people into mainstream primary health care services.
Accreditation
Since its commencement in August 1998, many practice accreditation visits including second and third visits have been completed. The accreditation process is based around the RACGP Standards and is undertaken by Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) and General Practice Accredition Plus (GPA Plus).
Aged Care Access Initiative
The Aged Care Access Initiative supports improving access to GP and Allied Health Services for residents of aged care facilities. This assistance is through an incentive payment provided by the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) for GPs and a payment for clinical care provided by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in RACFs. This applies where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements and presently includes the following services in this region:
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Occupational Therapist
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O/T-Mental Health
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Physiotherapist
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Speech Pathologist
Chronic Disease Management (ABHI/Primary Care Integration Project)
Information and support is provided in relation to Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) Items, linking with multidisciplinary care providers and services through workshops and education forums, development of resources for providers and facilitation of e-referral systems and processes to promote more efficient communication and transfer of data between care providers.
Co-morbidity – Collaboration Project
The aim of this project is to formulate and implement a process of regular and effective communication between the various services providers involved in the area of co-morbidity/dual diagnosis.
Co-morbidity – Peri-natal Project
Under the Peri-natal Project the objectives include:
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active review and revision of aspects of prevention, early intervention and education for peri-natal patients with risk of or incidence of co-morbidity
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increasing opportunities for learning and involvement of GPs and other clinicians for the improved health status of this patient group
Diabetes-Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP) - LIFE!
The LIFE! program is a Government funded Lifestyle Modification Program to aid in the prevention of Diabetes in patients who have been identified at risk using the AUSDRISK tool.
Education
Provision of assistance to GPs in
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accessing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
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access to resource information
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updates on education guidelines as per regulatory requirements and those of the registered Training Providers
Immunisation
Provision of assistance for GPs in all areas including:
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assistance with ACIR/GPII reports to follow up overdue children
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cold chain management and fridge data logging at clinics
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data cleaning
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education events
- email/faxed alerts
- newsletters
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resources
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training new staff
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updates on schedule changes and new vaccines
Information Technology/Information Management
Assistance with secure electronic transfer of patient information including setting up of programs, use of templates and training. The Network can also assist with clinical software data management through use of the PEN Clinical Audit Tool.
Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP)
The Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP) improves the access to medical specialist services for people living in rural and remote areas by providing specialists with financial assistance to cover some of the costs associated with delivering outreach services, such as:
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travel, accommodation and consulting room hire costs
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upskilling and/or professional support to local general practitioners, specialists and other health professionals in areas such as Allied Health
Practice Managers
Practice Managers have access to support and education through the Practice Managers Network.
The aim of the Network is to facilitate sharing of information and best practice concepts related to managing the day to day operations of General Practice.
Practice Nurses
The Practice Nurse Program can provide assistance with
Quality Use of Medicines (QUM)
The QUM Program promotes (judicious, safe, effective) and cost-effective prescribing to GPs. It is supported by the National Prescribing Service NPS who provide unbiased and evidence based education and prescribing information. This service is offered to GPs and facilitated by AWRGPN staff trained by the National Prescribing Service. The Network has established a Professional Advisory Group (GPs and a Pharmacist) to assist in the planning of the Program.
Rural Palliative Care Project
The Program aims to:
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develop tools such as flow charts regarding the use of appropriate Medicare Item Numbers
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establish a group of link nurses in up to four rural locations
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establish and strengthen relationships between GPs, Specialists and Service Providers to facilitate effective sharing of information and resources in Palliative Care
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map existing palliative care services in the Region and identify the gap areas
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provide education on key areas of Palliative Care to GPs
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support a coordinated approach from a General Practice perspective to ensure the on-going viability of the project upon the completion of the funding period
Workforce
Recruitment services which involve CV screening, assessment, medical registration, provider number access, immigration, practice visits and placement support. Practice vacancies and locum support is also provided.
Organisation of continual professional development courses for the Network's GPs. Retention of GPs will become a major focus in 2010 as well as succession planning to maintain a healthy cohort of GPs in our Network.
Clinical Services
Allied Health (Rural Primary Health Services - RPHS)
The RPHS Program provides Allied Health Services to rural populations. Its Primary Health Care focus seeks to better link GPs with the Allied Health sector, allowing the GP to focus on General Practice. Within this Network, GPs can refer their patients with Diabetes who reside in the near vicinity to a Diabetes Clinic in Corowa, Culcairn, Holbrook and Howlong.
Mental Health
The Mental Health Program includes services under the following programs:
- Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS)
- Better Outcomes in Mental Health Services (BOMHS)
- Mental Health for Drought Affected Communities (MHDAC)
These services include:
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access to information (tip sheets, resourses, etc)
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assistance with referral to Psychologists and other Mental Health Professionals
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co-location of Mental Health Clinicians
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education and training events (eg Level 2 First Aid Training),
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provision of community outreach and crisis counselling
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raising of community awareness of mental health issues
- secondary consultation regarding management of mental health care issues
- to provide education and training of mental health to local health workers, community leaders and community members
Network Clinic
The Scheme provides psychological services for people who may not be able to access a private psychologist due to financial hardship. Generally, a Health Care or Pension Card is required. The Scheme is designed to provide short-term solution-focused psychological strategies for patients with mild to moderate emotional concerns (i.e. not severe or long-standing concerns) such as depression or anxiety. Appointments are by referral only. To find out if you are eligible to access this service, please speak to your GP.