Evaluation of a program to assist usage of the Enhanced Primary Care case conferencing and care planning items: The allied health professionals' viewpoint

Abstract

The General Practice Education, Support and Community Linkages Program was introduced to formally support implementation and appropriate use of the Enhanced Primary Care Medicare Benefits Schedule items. This paper reports upon the Program?s implementation from the allied health professional?s perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2002 with healthcare staff trained under the Program. While interviewees noted achievements in the items? uptake during the Program, allied health involvement in case conferencing and care planning had been impeded by GPs? limited adoption of the items. Allied health professionals were broadly interested in participating in care planning and case conferencing with GPs. The General Practice Education, Support and Community Linkages Program supported implementation and appropriate use of the Enhanced Primary Care Medicare Benefits Schedule items. While allied health professionals are generally interested in participating in care planning and case conferencing with GPs, such activity requires ongoing systems support and relationship building. Ample scope remains for awareness raising, relationship building and joint activities across the sector. Future item usage will need to be supported by resources and continued relationship building.

Increasing dietetic referrals: Perceptions of general practitioners, practice nurses and dietitians

“…The interview consisted of 40 questions which covered demographic data; strategies to increase the delivery of nutrition advice; the provision of nutrition advice by GPs and PNs; participants' involvement in, and opinions of 'Allied Health Services Under Medicare'; GP referral, including strategies used to initiate, maintain and assist in referral; and participants' relationships with GPs. Questions were developed from literature [18][19][20] and the GP/PN surveys, and pilot tested. An online survey was conducted with PP dietitians (survey dietitians) from April to May 2008 (phase 3).…”

Better than nothing? Restrictions and realities of enhanced primary care for allied health practitioners

“…From 2000 to 2002, coordinated multidisciplinary care was achieved to a limited extent only (Powell et al 2006). Reported impediments to coordinated multidisciplinary team care include a lack of organisational arrangements to facilitate coordination among medical and non-medical providers, including allied health professionals (AHP) (Sims et al 2004), and conflicting pressures and demands on GP (Oldroyd et al 2003). Significantly, such restrictions and the realities of front-line practice are likely to influence how all health care professionals respond to policy initiatives.…”