What are the long term aims of the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative?

There are three main aims of the Aged Care GP Panel.
1.They are to achieve improved access to appropriate medical care for all aged care residents;
2.To increase the participation of GPs in aged care initiatives to improve quality of care; and
3.To enable GPs and Divisions to work more effectively with aged care homes.

What is the aim of the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative?

The Aged Care GP Panels Initiative has been designed to supplement, and not replace, existing arrangements between GPs and aged care homes.  Where successful arrangements are already in place in aged care homes, this Initiative will provide an opportunity for aged care homes, GPs and Divisions to work together to enhance and further establish those arrangements.   A paramount concern is not to compromise existing positive partnerships, but rather to support, promote and further such activity.

What is the Initiative called?

The Initiative is known at the National level as the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative, however local terminology may be used to describe the Panel arrangements (eg group, network, committee etc) where an alternative term is agreed between the Division, GPs and aged care homes in the area.

Why is the federal government funding incentives to attract and retain doctors into aged care homes?

MBS data suggests that services are provided by a small proportion of GPs and that this proportion is shrinking. To address barriers to service provision, including coordination and support mechanisms to GPs providing services to residents in aged care homes, the Australian Government announced the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative (the Initiative) on 18 November 2003, as part of a broader set of changes being introduced to strengthen and protect Medicare.
  
The Aged Care GP Panels Initiative aims to provide better access to medical care and to enable GPs to work in partnership with aged care homes.  GPs who participate in the Panel arrangements can receive funding in addition to accessing relevant Medicare items for any services provided directly to residents.

What is a Panel?

The term Panel is used to describe a list, or group, of GPs who have agreed to undertake particular activities which have been identified as priorities for that Division. The work of GPs participating in the Panel arrangements should complement and build on successful activities already being undertaken in aged care homes in the Division, or assist with the development of new activities.

How many Panels will there be and what will be the size?

It is anticipated that one Panel, or list, of GPs will operate per Division.  However, larger Divisions will have more GPs on their list than smaller Divisions, and may also choose to have subgroups of GPs on the list (eg to undertake activities in different geographic areas within the Division).

What are the core activities of the Aged Care GP Panel?

The core activities of the panel will be to improve residents of aged care home access to appropriate and timely GP services. Participation in aged care homes quality improvement activities and assist in the streamlining of GP activities. GP Panels in collaboration with Divisions and Aged Care Providers will also address barriers to primary care service provision in aged care homes.

What will be the roll and range of activities undertaken by GPs participating in the Panel?

The arrangements will primarily depend on the needs identified for the area.

i recruiting a cooperative roster of GPs
ii recruiting GPs prepared to provide care to residents without a usual GP or whose usual GP arrangements have broken down
iii sourcing or adapting emergency care protocols
iv sourcing or adapting protocols for medication management
v sourcing or adapting protocols for GP contact/communication with aged care homes
vi promoting the use of protocols
vii participating in medication advisory committees 
viii participating in quality care committees
ix sourcing or adapting mechanisms that coordinate/support GP work in aged care homes
x sourcing or adapting preventive health activities or programs such as immunisation and falls prevention activities
xi providing education to staff, residents and carers
xii working with aged care homes and Divisions to identify and implement solutions to barriers for integration and encourage a merging of the cultures of aged care homes and general practice
xiii sourcing or adapting continuity of care activities
xiv sharing resources for improvement in care provision.

Who is eligible?

All GPs are eligible. This Initiative is not limited to GP members of Divisions.

Criteria to be on a panel?

GPs do not need to be a member of Division to participate in the Aged Care GP Panel arrangements.

Indemnity for panels?

The level of insurance required will depend on the level and coverage of the insurance of participating GPs.

Payment of panels?

DGP will administer remuneration to Aged Care GP Panel members.

Are GP Panel payments in addition to MBS items?

Panel payments are in addition to the usual MBS items.

What are the payment methods?

Payment can be made to remunerate GPs for time spent undertaking panel activities by an hourly rate, retainer or discrete task. It is up to the Divisions of General Practice to decide on the best option for the Division.

How will this Initiative enhance GPs pleasure in working in aged care homes?

This Initiative is based on improving the working relationships between Divisions of General Practice, the General Practice Community and the Aged Care Sector.  The three key groups working in partnership to address barriers and develop local solutions to local issues through greater cooperation and coordination in aged care homes.

Subscribe to Page