The important role of the GP as a first point of contact for people experiencing family violence is highlighted in the Royal Commission into Family Violence report.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has praised the multi-volume, comprehensive report and subsequent 227 recommendations, of which three directly relate to the work of the RACGP and its members.
RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said the report and recommendations would further assist GPs identifying and providing care to patients experiencing family violence.
‘General practitioners already do outstanding work in supporting patients experiencing family violence and the RACGP has been a leader in developing education and training to further their knowledge and abilities,’ Dr Jones said.
‘The Royal Commission’s report has documented the harrowing experiences those impacted by family violence have had to endure, and the frustrations felt by many health professionals due to current systemic constraints.
‘I congratulate the Victorian Government for committing to implement all 227 recommendations, which will provide GPs with clearer lines of referral when supporting patients experiencing family violence.’
Dr Jones welcomed the recommendations specifically relating to general practice, saying the RACGP had been focused on this area for some time.
‘The RACGP has advocated strongly for a Medicare item number for family violence, to support a national approach to healthcare delivery for women and children experiencing family violence,’ Dr Jones said.
‘These rebates would enable GPs to develop a ‘Family Health Safety Plan’ providing a framework and support for GPs to implement an action plan with their patient, which could include referrals to mother and child and group services.’
Dr Jones also highlighted the current educational and training opportunities the RACGP provides for GPs – including webinars and guidelines to best practice.
‘The RACGP Abuse and violence: working with our patients in general practice (White book) is an extensive resource for GPs, providing evidence-based guidance on appropriate identification and response in clinical practice to patients experiencing abuse and violence,’ Dr Jones said.
‘And the RACGP’s online active learning module (ALM) was comprehensively updated in 2014 and offers a great deal of information to develop GPs’ knowledge and skills in the area of family and domestic violence.’
‘The RACGP is also currently working with stakeholders to develop adjunct resources, particularly a decision-making pathway for working with perpetrators – an area recognised as needing more attention across the sector.’
To read the full report, visit the Royal Commission into Family Violence website.