CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

GP Support

The program's goal is to improve the quality and efficiency of general practice through the provision of clinical, organisational and lifestyle support to GPs.The program utilises the skills of two GP Support Officers (both RNs) who visit GPs regularly in an interview style arrangement.  The face-to-face format has been a very successful strategy for accessing GPs, personalising the Division and providing a means for supporting GPs and their practice.  This program also includes Hospital Liaison and networking between the Division, GPs and local hospitals.  Also, practice staff visits and networking have assisted many practices deal with the myriad of problems that face general practices today.

GP Health Program

The GP Health Program is located within the GP Support Program. The major goal of the GP Support Program is 'to improve the quality and efficiency of general practice through the provision of clinical, organisational and lifestyle support to GPs'. Also to progress the Divisions Doctors' Health Program locally and at State and national Level.
The program is developed within the framework of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.The major aims of the program are to increase awareness of doctors' health as an issue and  to provide opportunities for GPs to participate in activities which improve their organisational and/or lifestyle management. The Division also wishes to increase networks and links with other organizations relevant to doctors' health at a local, State and national level.The traditional response to the issue of doctors' health focused on 'impairment'. However, there is growing interest in prevention and early intervention and Divisions of General Practice are leading the way. Despite some early efforts at coordination, there are no formal strategies to link these activities at a State or national level. A more coordinated approach would enable limited resources to be better used to develop a comprehensive program to tackle Doctors' Health issues.

Information Management and Information Technology

At Sunshine Coast Division of General Practice the following initiatives are currently provided by the Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) program:"IT Plus" Program - a cooperative arrangement between local Division-accredited IT service providers and the Sunshine Coast Division of General Practice to support General Practice and deliver a higher level of service to GPs and practices.IT Consultative Practice visits - visits to practices by qualified Division IM/IT staff to provide consultative support and assistance in computerisation or information management issues.Medical Software Reference File - a file of 17 medical software offerings, comprising the documentation, brochures and in some cases demonstration software that would normally be supplied to a GP requesting information about the product.

IT Reference Manual - comprised of IT information documents covering a broad range of IT issues suitable for reference by practices either already computerised or contemplating computerisation. Division Web Site - providing information and services to both GP and the community (www.scdgp.org.au).

Diabetes Education Program

The Diabetes Program aims to improve detection, management and health outcomes of people with diabetes by focusing on strategies that directly involve GPs.  The program is multi-faceted and includes the development of diabetes management resources, shared care arrangements, links and networks, referral options, GP education, improved systems for identification, recall and clinical management.

Media Relations

The Division's 'Media and Communication' Program will promote the value of general practice in the local community and educate the community how best to utilise and access general practice.  A comprehensive plan to guide the media, marketing and public relations activities of the SCDGP, based on extensive consultation and best practice principles, is currently being developed. Strategies focus on three broad areas including media, community and GP relations.

Mental Health Program

The overall perspective and goal for this program is to enhance communication and links between service providers and the delivery of best practice standards and to support GPs with their ongoing needs in the process.The Mental Health Program will continue to focus on Shared Care initiatives and integration of shared care education.  Further progress toward the National Clinical Practice Guideline Implementation Program -"Depression in Young People" - will continue.Over the next strategic year, the Mental Health Program intends to provide educational activities that focus on specific Mental Health populations including: Childhood Behavioural Problems; Adolescent Depression; the Elderly; Early Psychosis and Maternity Mental Health. Collaboration and partnerships in the development of community resources will continue to play a large role for the Mental Health Program along with maintaining and establishing communications and collaboration with key stakeholders.

The Mental Health Program primarily provides an educational service to GPs and the Mental Health community regarding the management of Mental Health Disorders.  The program is diverse and includes seminars and workshops, referral and resource information, assistance in the development and expression of new services, and assistance in the integration of new mental health initiatives into GP practice. This service has assisted GPs and other mental health service providers, carers and consumers in the overall improvement and ease of care of patients with mental illness.

Other Programs

• Aboriginal Health
• Community Liaison
• Immunisation
• GP Support Program
• National Prescribing Service

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

• Diabetes Upskilling Project
• Mental Health Educational Update for GPs
• Practical Intervention and Practical
• Skills Acquisition in the Management of
• People with Mental Illness
• GP's Own Health
• Sexual Assault Needs Assessment
• GPs and Sexual Assault - Needs Assessment Project
• GPs in Schools
• Nutrition Awareness and Servicing
• GP Clinical Attachments