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The Division is currently participating in a quality improvement program (the Australian Primary Care Collaborative program) which was designed specifically for the general practice setting.
The key objectives of the program are to improve clinical outcomes, reduce lifestyle risk factors, help maintain good health for those with chronic conditions and promote a culture of quality improvement in primary health care.
The program focuses on three topic areas:
Key Elements of the Program
Program topics: these topics were identified on the basis of their potential for early and concrete results, evidence of best practice, of gaps between current and best practice and examples of how to close the gaps. For each topic, an Expert Reference Panel identified aims, principles and ideas for change, and measures of improvement.
Learning workshops: participating general practices attend an orientation day and participate in a series of three learning workshops. The workshops provide participants with the opportunity to consider how to improve care and practice systems, and access to ideas and experiences from fellow practices.
Activity periods with local support: during these periods between and after the learning workshops, practices test and implement improvements through cycles of small incremental changes. Practices are provided local level support for these activities through participating Divisions of General Practice.
Data reporting and feedback: participating practices submit de-identified monthly data to an online data reporting system, and are provided with analysis and feedback on the impact of their improvements over time. Practices are expected to provide data for at least the 18 month period of their participation in the program and are able to continue to submit data after their participation.
Spread and sustainability: participating Divisions are encouraged to spread knowledge of the Collaboratives methodology to general practices not otherwise participating in the Program, and to apply their knowledge of the methodology to other topic areas, such as other chronic diseases. In Northern Tasmania there are currently six practices participating Wave 3 & Wave 4 of the program.
Benefits to Members
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Improves patient outcomes.
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Provides access to a user-friendly quality improvement model that delivers rapid, measurable and sustainable outcomes.
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Provides a structure to enhance systems and processes in the practice. Strengthens the general practice “team” and provides a harmonious working environment.
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Builds capacity through the effective chronic disease management of patients.
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Support and networking opportunities provided to practices through monthly Collaborative meetings where ideas and enhancements are shared amongst participants.
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Practice visits undertaken on a monthly basis to provide support and assistance.
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Incentive payment provided to practices to compensate for GP and staff time to attend learning workshops.
The Program is funded through the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and co-ordinated through the Improvement Foundation of Australia (IFA).
Web Links
Contact
| Name: |
Jan Dawkins and Annie McCaughey |
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Position:
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Program Officers |
| Email: |
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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| Phone: |
(03) 6331 9296 |
| Fax: |
(03) 6334 2443 |
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