CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Divisional Management

The main aims of this program are to manage the Division in response to the needs of members, and to achieve a responsive organisational structure. The Division aims at a high percentage of General Practitioner member involvement. Human resource development for both Board and staff is linked to a performance appraisal process.

Training for governance responsibilities has been a focus for the board. Sound financial management of the Division is achieved by regular review of budgets and accurate financial reporting

Planning

The Division aims to identify and respond to local community needs, and to provide General Practitioner input and involvement in health care planning at all levels.

An increasing number of requests for GP input into health planning is occurring, for example Municipal Health Plans, Primary Care Partnerships, Health Network future planning. To increase member participation in the health care planning process information is provided to members via newsletter articles, Division meetings and where necessary specific focus groups are conducted. The division has a planning and development sub committee that meets monthly. The Consumer Health Advocacy Group is embarking on a process (following training) that will enable them to engage with a wider group of consumers so as to be able to feed back information to the Division relevant to future service planning and development.

Better Health in the Community

This program is aimed at promoting better health in the community. The current programs place a high priority on the National Goals, Targets and Strategies for Better Health Outcomes. The areas chosen are also based on local need and interest of GP membership to ensure GP participation. Programs for 2000-20001: Diabetes Education, Cardiovascular Secondary Prevention, Immunisation, Youth Health and Mental Health Dual Disability and Practice Nurse in EPC (Innovative Funding with four other Divisions) and EPC.

Policy Information and Support to General Practitioners

To provide information and support, regarding government and professional initiatives to General Practitioners. Information dissemination is carried out through Divisional newsletters and quarterly meetings. Where necessary specific focus groups or mentoring programs are conducted.

General Practitioners Education and Upskilling

This program aims at providing education and upskilling to General Practitioners. Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities are held with an average of two per month and three weekends per year. The existing GP survey data is used to assess training needs as well as random surveys carried out if possible new training issues identified. Education kits are developed for specific programs, for example; Community Education, Information Technology and Accreditation.

Community Education

To utilise and improve the skills of General Practitioners in community education programs. This program is promoted to community groups as a way of having GP input enhance existing programs. Training is occurring for General Practitioners to increase motivation of participants to take action on their health rather than just another source of information. Strong links are occurring with Local Government and Community Health programs.

Information Management

The Information Management program aims to provide an information management framework for General Practitioner members. The Division has achieved a high level of GP expertise in this area by broadening the base of IT Advocates to 30 GPs. These GPs provide in house training and support to their own practices and those of their colleagues under the auspice of the Division. Practice visits, in house training, staff training and a high emphasis on the importance of IM/IT within General Practice has resulted in an increasingly high number of computerised practices and computer smart GPs.

Integrated Health Care

The Division aims to integrate GPs with other health care providers The Primary Care Partnership (PCP) and Enhanced Primary Care strategies are setting the framework for improved integrated approaches to health service delivery. This also relates closely to planning and development.

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

• GP Upskilling
• Health Services Directory
• Information Technology & Management
• Health Promotion
• Stroke Primary Prevention
• Adolescent Health
• Consumer Liaison
• Accreditation Support for Practices
• Asthma
• Men's Health
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Secondary Prevention
• Immunisation
• Skin Lesion
• Psychology
• Physiotherapy
• Family Relationships
• Women's Health
• Cancer Support
• Care for Carers