Aged Care GP Panels Initiative

Aged Care GP Panels Initiative - Information for Residential Aged care Facilities on how to get involved

Describes the role of residential aged care facilities under the Panels Initiative and how they can get involved

Role of Residential Aged Care Facilities

Participation of residential aged care facilities is voluntary and there is no specific funding provided for facilities under the Panels Initiative.

There are many benefits for both residents and staff of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) when participating in the Panels Initiative, such as:

• opportunities for staff to work with GPs, allied health service providers and Divisions to develop solutions to improve access to high quality care for RACF residents;
• more timely access to primary medical care for residents;
• improved quality of medical care to residents;
• improved communication between care providers;
• reduction in unnecessary and inappropriate emergency transfers to hospital;
• ability to make changes to local processes, networks and supports; and
• assistance in homes meeting accreditation standards.

Should RACFs choose to participate in the Panels Initiative, they would be expected to:

• work with their local Division, GPs and allied health service providers to identify current arrangements and service delivery gaps/pressures, to assist Divisions to better understand the needs of RACFs and their residents;
• work with their local Division to select appropriate Panel arrangements and activities, and to appoint appropriate GPs and allied heath service providers to participate in the Panel arrangements;
• identify key priorities to improve access to GP and allied health service provider services for residents of RACFs;
• work cooperatively with Panel GPs and allied health service providers to facilitate Panel activities; and
• work with their local Division, Panel GPs and allied health service providers to source and adapt protocols and tools to streamline GP and allied health service provider involvement.

How to get involved

To get involved in the Panels Initiative residential aged care facilities should contact their local Division of General Practice. The Australian General Practice website contains a Divisions Directory which may assist you to locate your local Division of General Practice.

www.agpn.com.au/site/index.cfm?module=DIVISION

Further information

For further information about the Panels Initiative and how to get involved please contact the Australian General Practice Network on 02 6228 0800 or access their website www.agpn.com.au