Definition

Information Management describes the means by which an organisation efficiently plans, collects, organises, uses, controls, disseminates and disposes of its information, and through which it ensures that the value of that information is identified and exploited to the fullest extent. Information technology is a means through which health information can be efficiently and effectively managed and utilised. 

In General Practice this focuses on the better management of information that can assist in promoting improved clinical, patient and practice outcomes.

ThinkTank

A national ThinkTank for IM in GP held in Melbourne on Thursday 30 August, 2001 coordinated by the ADGP, with attendees including representatives from ADGP, SBOs, Divisions, DHAC, GPCG, AMA and Medicare Australia.  This IM in GP Action Plan resulted.

Goals, Activities and Quality Indicators

Goal 1: Assist GPs in exchanging data with other health professionals electronically

Activities
1. Providing GPs with contact information (preferably in electronic form) of other health professionals, networks and services to whom they may refer in their region or State, including the electronic addresses i.e. provider directory within each Division.

2. Providing GPs with a reference list of useful medical websites and related internet resources to introduce GPs to new avenues for professional networking with other health professionals  in not only Australia, but also overseas.

Potential Quality Indicators
1. Provision of geographic health provider directories.

2. Number and type of internet information resources and health professional networking opportunities provided for GPs.

Goal 2: Work with GPs to help develop and maintain electronic databases containing information about their patients

Activities
1. Advise GPs about the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) and the new incentives under the 2001-02 Budget and the IM systems that will support the initiatives.

2. Assist in implementing any such systems not currently available to the local area or practice.  Particularly the diabetes and asthma programs that require GPs to utilise a register with recall and reminder services.

3. Raising awareness of related work being undertaken in similar IMIT areas e.g. HealthConnect and Better Medication Management System (BMMS).

4. Investigating and promoting information that supports GPs data needs in patient databases.

5. Promoting the effective use of clinical data and demonstrating the benefits that turning this data into information will bring to GPs.

Potential Quality Indicators
1. Number and type of communication activities and information resources provided for GPs about the Chronic Disease Management PIP and new incentives under the 2001-02 Budget.

2. Number of GPs using recall and reminder systems.

3. Number and type of communication and promotional activities to inform GPs about related work being undertaken in similar IMIT areas.

4. Number of GPs using patient registers including relevant age, sex and disease.

5. Number and type of information and communication activities undertaken to promote the benefits of the better management of information in General practice.

Goal 3: Assist GPs with access to diagnostic and treatment information on their computers

Activities
1. Researching and recommending electronic, quality, up-to-date information or references to information on particular health topics that may aid in the treatment of patients, e.g. clinical practice guidelines/pathways, patient education material, etc.

2. Facilitating links with, and working with, other GP organisations and relevant bodies to distribute guidelines on issues relating to IM in GP, such as PKI, privacy, legal issues, standards, data storage, data integrity/back-up, security, transfer, and disposal.

Potential Quality Indicators
1. Number of clinical information resources and appropriate references provided for GPs.

2. Number of associated GP organizations and relevant bodies engaged to facilitate distribution of IM in GP resources.

Goal 4: Facilitate the use of electronic practice administration and management systems

Activities
1. Developing a communication strategy and promoting Divisional interaction between interested Lead Practices (based on outcomes from the Lead Practice project) and other practices to inform General Practice about the better management of information and the benefits of practice computerisation.

2. Investigating and disseminating the advantages and benefits that information management brings to clinical work and practice management.

3. Developing methods of measuring the impact of IM in GP with the use of the Lead Practices project and the IM in GP  'Stocktake'/Needs Analysis.

4. Developing a shared IM vision at the local level for each Division.  From this, each Division can establish objectives and goals that they have in regards to incorporating IM in Division's business plans.

5. Developing mechanisms to ensure accumulated knowledge at the Division level remains available.  This may involve setting up a library of IMIT information, training sessions and guidelines.

Potential Quality Indicators
1. IM in GP Communications strategy developed.

2. Number and type of promotional and information activities undertaken regarding the advantages and benefits of IM in GP.

3. Appropriate measurement tools developed.

4. IM in GP planning integrated with Divisional planning and reporting activities.

5. Number and type of knowledge management activities undertaken to ensure availability of Divisional IM in GP information, knowledge and skills.

Goal 5: Facilitate GPs electronic contribution to benefits from informing population health research

Activities
1. Identifying 'quality' data and providing guidance on quality practice information and how GPs can utilize this information to gain better practice, population and patient health outcomes.

Potential Quality Indicators
1. Number and type of strategies developed and activities undertaken to encourage GP contribution to population  health and clinical research initiatives.