RACGP cautiously welcomes initial PHCAG survey results
19 October 2015
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has cautiously welcomed the release of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group (PHCAG) survey results.
RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said while the RACGP is pleased to see the important work of the PHCAG progressing, more work is needed.
“At this stage, it is not clear how the survey results will be used by PHCAG when providing advice to the Federal Government”.
The PHCAG has been tasked by the Government to investigate options for the reform of primary healthcare, to support patients with complex and chronic illness, and the treatment of mental health conditions.
77% of the survey respondents supported patient enrolment with a healthcare home for people with chronic and complex conditions. Dr Jones applauded this as a step in the right direction but highlighted that all people will benefit from having a medical home, not just those with chronic and complex conditions.
“The medical home creates a formal link between a patient and their GP, improving access to preventive care measures by potentially identifying and managing issues before they become complex,” said Dr Jones.
Dr Jones said little detail had been made available around some of the topics and issues raised in the survey, such as private health insurance and measuring and reporting patient outcomes at an aggregate level.
“While we agree that measuring and reporting outcomes at a regional level warrants consideration, the RACGP reiterates that this must not turn into individual reporting or a performance related measurement for payment”.
Many of the overarching themes emerging from the survey are further explored in the RACGP’s Vision for general practice and a sustainable healthcare system, including the implementation of the patient-centred medical home.
The RACGP looks forward to receiving more information and working collaboratively with the Government to build a more efficient and sustainable primary healthcare system.