CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Immunisation Program

The aim of the program is to increase both Divisional and individual practice immunisation rates within a framework of sustainability. The Division is now ranked Number 10 (48th at start of program), with an Immunisation Rate of 85.7% (Above the National Average).

• 100% of immunising practices have achieved an increase in their overall % rate of 'Age-appropriate immunisations.
• Worked closely with our 7 Local Government Areas to increase information sharing between themselves and GPs within their areas.
• The Division has provided all immunising practices with Resource Manuals.
• Resources relating to the 2000 ASVS will be posted on the Divisions webpage from June 2000.
• 100% of Immunising Practices have had their Cold Chains accredited by the Division.
• 50% of GPs to date have received an education service. Each of these GPs receives a resource kit, Australian Immunisation Handbook, and other resources as requested by the GP.

Youth Mental Health Program

This new Program will increase GPs skills relating to the early intervention strategies for young people who present to their practices with risk factors that may make them more vulnerable to depression. This will be achieved through a multifaceted GP awareness/education program relating to identification, management and referral mechanisms for these young people.

Information Technology Program

The principal purpose of the IT Program is to maximise the up-take of IT with GPs and Practices in the Division. Services include:

• Assistance in evaluating and selecting suitable software/hardware for clinical and management requirements.
• Support during implementation of new systems and "on site" training.
• Development of processes and procedures to install program updates, and perform periodic computer "housekeeping" tasks.
• Quick response 'problem solving and rectification service' to GPs and practices in geographically isolated locations within the division.

Currently Over 84% of the Divisions members are now using computers for clinical purposes. 60% of the Divison's doctors have Internet access to their practice desktop and many others will be installing these facilities by the third Quarter of 2000. Otway Division is very actively involved in the advancement of an innovative project known as SWARH. Regional IT infrastructure that will provide high-speed communication between all member locations.

Cardiovascular Disease Program

A program aimed at ehancing GPs management of Cardiovascular disease - Primary Prevention and Acute Management. Currently 65% of GPs are involved with Acute Cardiology Refresher Course. Services include

• Provision of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Machine to GPs.
• Advocated for and involved GPs in Rural Health Development CVD Project. A regional project consisting of some 26 agencies that are seeking to develop a coordinated approach to community screening for CVD and referral to GPs.
• Involvement of GPs in National Heart Foundation Program Clinical Audit Trial regarding Managing Patients with Multiple Risk Factors.
• Provision of Acute Cardiology (Thrombolytic Care) Training Workshops
• Provision of resources to assist Primary Prevention activities.

Recruitment/GP Support Program

The ODGP offers a comprehensive recruitment and Locum support service to GP member practices and doctors interested in pursuing satisfying professional opportunities and lifestyles in Victoria's magnificent South West.

Services include assisting interested GPs:

• Contact practices that have a suitable vacancy.
• Arranage familiarisation visits to practices
• Negotiate terms and conditions.
• Locate suitable accomodation.
• Orientate into a new community.
• Seek employment for partenrs.
• Source relevant grants and assistance measures.

The Division provides further assistance to overseas trained doctors with advice and support in the following, Immigration matters, Provider Numbers, Medical Registration, locating suitable accomodation, facilitating a smooth and pleasant arrival and education and training for AMC exams.

In the last two years 38 GPs were recruited, with numbers of GPs in ODGP up from 95 two years ago to 112.Practice vacancy reduced from 18 down to 3-4 in two years.

Education Program

A program to facilitate medical educational excellence throughout the region, servicing both existing GPs and GP registrars. The achievements to date in this program have included the development of a regionally specific CME program for rural GPs, and the Annual Hall Gap Medical Update aimed at rural GPs.

The Division provides GPs and registrars with a range of educational options to meet their Medical Education needs by:

• Maintaining and enhancing locally based CME programs
• Continuing to explore options for alternative/parallel Training Program options for non VR GPs.
• Support/assist GPs who wish to obtain RACGP Fellowship or recognised equivalent.
• Continue to pilot and expand innovative educational experiences for GPs, e.g. Portfolio Based Learning (Quality Assurance Activity) amongst Otway GPs.

Asthma Support Program

The overall aim of the Asthma Support program is to enhance medical and patient's self-management of asthma. Recently the program has seen a reduction in asthma admissions in northern section of the Otway Division.

The Division provides a Clinical Audit Activity which is endorsed by the RACGP Quality Assurance and Continuing Education Program and is valued at 20 points. Other services provided include an Asthma Educator who is able to undertake practice education visits to provide information to both practice staff and GPs also Asthma resources are also available for supporting GPs in 'community education'.

Practice Management Support Program

A program designed to enhance service delivery by providing 'best practice' systems into General Practice. The Division has succeeded in providing serivces to all practices seeking accreditaion. The result being five practices receiving Accreditation and more awaiting the Survey visit. Services include:

• Regionally based Practice Management Enhancement Network Meetings, topics presented so far Accreditation, Medclaims, Infection Control, Immunisation etc.
• Comnprehensive Accreditation Support Service including provision of Template Polivcy and Procedure Manuals, AGPAL endorsed 'Patient Feedback Survey',
• Infection Control Policies and Procedures etc.
• Provision of training to Practice Nurses and other staff.
• Provision of Infection Control(IC) Visits by IC Consultant.

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

• Diabetes Shared Care project- Colac and districts
• Diabetes Shared Care project - Portland and district
• Asthma Shared Care project - Hamilton and district
• State funded Drugs and Alcohol project
• Needs Analysis project
• Locum Project
• Services Directory project