The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) stipulates Primary Health Networks must be GP-centred if a robust and effective primary healthcare sector is to be achieved.
The RACGP’s recently published position statement is in response to the Department of Health’s (DoH) Invitation To Apply (ITA) and Grant Program Guidelines.
In its statement, the RACGP outlines a set of principles it deems vital to ensure the effectiveness of PHNs as well as addressing a number of additional issues which should be considered in their establishment.
RACGP President, Dr Frank R Jones said for PHNs to be a success, they must be GP-centred, responsive to community need, and deliver the coordination of, rather than provision of, services.
“The requirement for tenderers to demonstrate their capacity to ‘support GPs as the cornerstone of primary healthcare’ is a move the RACGP is extremely supportive of,” said Dr Jones.
“The weighting of this selection criterion (40%) indicates recognition of the importance of this to the success of PHNs and improvement in primary healthcare sector.
“GPs provide whole-person continuity of care and it is our role as care coordinators that make placing the GP at the centre of PHNs so critical.”
The ITA requires tenderers to outline how the GP-led Clinical Council will report to the Board and influence decision making on clinical issues and strategies to meet the needs of their community.
“This requirement is critical and should support the adoption of practical solutions developed by clinicians to solve issues such as access to continuity of care and improved patient health outcomes in the region,” said Dr Jones.
Program guidelines indicate that additional funds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs may be provided.
“The RACGP strongly advocates for PHNs to directly address inequalities and health issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within their region,” said Dr Jones
“PHNs will need to identify and respond to local variations and needs within their region, particularly when operating in rural and remote areas, to improve health outcomes for all people who fall within their catchment.
“As the first point of contact to the healthcare system, GPs are in the optimal position to understand the unique needs of their community.”
PHNs will need time to develop and it is important they are supported to grow into effective organisations, while still being held accountable for progress toward improvements in health outcomes.
The RACGP will continue to engage in the establishment process of PHNs to ensure they contribute positively to the vital work of general practice within the primary healthcare sector.