CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Southcity GP Services offers a broad range of locally-developed activities and services specifically tailored to meet local GP clinical and business improvement needs. Each activity is developed with the help of local GPs and is based on research into the issues facing local GPs. Local GPs can choose from clinical audits, lectures, practical learning sessions, formal educational courses and self-help resources. Every activity is designed to make the best use of a GP's time. Most Southcityactivities carry CME or QA and CE points.

Health Outcomes Activities

Southcity GP Services offers a broad range of locally developed activities and services specifically tailored to meet local GP professional development needs. Each activity is developed with the help of local GPs and is based on research into the health issues facing local GPs.

These activities are largely grouped under the banners of Chronic Disease Management Programs and QUM (Quality Use of Medicines) Program. There are also Information Management/IT materials which provide additional resources to support these programs.

Chronic Disease Management Programs

From July 2002, Southcity has provided chronic disease activities involving the identification and management of:

• Mental Health
• Diabetes
• Respiratory Illnesses
• Cancer

Chronic diseases and conditions lead mortality, morbidity and disability statistics of developed societies and are responsible for a large proportion of their burden of disease. Chronic diseases are now in epidemic proportions globally and in Australia, yet many of these diseases and conditions are largely preventable and responsive to risk factor reduction. Effective management in the primary setting can further reduce incidence and severity of these conditions.

By examining national population health, local community health and the clinical needs of GPs within the inner south east of Melbourne, Southcity has identified a number of chronic disease areas as a focus of its health outcome activities. By broad disease groupings, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental disorders contribute to more than half the total burden of disease to both males and females in the Southcity catchment area.

QUM (Quality Use of Medicines) Program

The objectives of the Quality Use of Medicines health outcome program are to encourage:

• A general practitioner workforce with the skills to carry out medication reviews and with up-to-date knowledge of appropriate use of medications.
• Pharmacists and GPs with respect for, and knowledge of, each other's roles and capabilities.
• Informed patients who are taking only those medications that are appropriate, with consequent health benefits and diminished costs.
• Consumers who are aware of the appropriate use of medications and how to get information about medications when they need it.

Southcity GP Services presents programs for the National Prescribing Service.

Management of Addiction

Management of Addiction is an introductory, formal seven-session course run by Monash University. Monthly Special Interest Network (SPIN) meetings provide local GPs with an array of opportunities to enhance their management of patients with addictions.

Southcity Clinic

Southcity GP Services auspices the Southcity Clinic (formerly Southern Metropolitan Addiction Consultancy Clinic (SMACC)), a specialist methadone clinic, which primarily provides medical and counselling assistance to heroin addicts with significant problems. It also provides consultancy, support and networking for local health practitioners involved in treating people with addiction problems.

Southcity Clinic Contact details

Level 1, 61-69 Brighton Road ELWOOD, VIC 3181
Tel: 03 9525 7399 Fax: 03 9525 7369
email: southcityclinic@southcityclinic.com.au

Continuing Medical Education

Southcity GP Services offers a broad range of high-quality, locally-developed activities and services specifically tailored to meet the needs of our members. Each activity is evidence-based, is developed with the help of our GP Consultants, other GPs, allied health providers and consumers wherever possible. All Southcity programs support continued quality assurance of your clinical skills and practice systems, while at the same time providing professional development.

Participation in Southcity activities will enable GPs to earn their full quota of QA&CPD points in the 2002?2004 RACGP Triennium.

A range of interactive sessions is available, designed to make the most effective use of participation:

• Seminars
• Workshops
• Small Group Learning
• Practice Visits
• Case Study Discussions
• Clinical Audits
• Learning Plan Development

Southcity is a Provisional Accredited Provider and offers both 5 points per hour and 2 points per hour activities.

Practice Support Activities

Southcity GP Services offers a range of training, resources and support services to assist GPs and their practice staff in the everyday business of running a modern practice and in keeping pace with change. Our practice support activities aim to help you to improve both your business and health outcomes for patients. The Southcity Practice Network provides an opportunity for practice staff to meet with and learn from their peers while taking part in educational or social activities.

Information Technology Activities

Southcity GP Services offers a broad range of locally developed activities and services specifically tailored to meet local GPs? needs in the rapidly developing field of GP computing. Activities and resources are focussed on assisting practices to better manage chronic disease programs.