General practices need to offer a “one stop shop” that co-ordinates care and promotes patient self management to effectively treat an increasingly chronically ill Australian population.
So says The University of Queensland’s newly appointed Chair in General Practice and Primary Health Care, Professor Claire Jackson.
The Faculty of Health Sciences role offers Professor Jackson the opportunity to promote her vision for a more integrated health service.
As a health services researcher, medical educator of 20 years experience and general practitioner, her assessment of current services is that patients receive high quality health care “in pockets”.
“This level of service is not well integrated," she said.
"Patients with a chronic disease, such as diabetes, are sometimes required to see eight different health professionals.
"We need much better linkages between clinicians and better use of technology for information sharing.
“Health professionals need to work closely as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop the patient’s treatment program.
"Easy electronic retrieval of patient information is essential to ensure doctors have the latest patient information and ongoing communication is needed to enable the team to jointly monitor progress."
Professor Jackson’s satellite clinic model relies on much more patient involvement, supported by increased access to health information and professional support.
“Patients would be closely involved in developing their treatment management program and setting goals," she said.
"In the GP’s waiting room, computers could be provided for patients to access online information about their condition, as well as their individual management program and goals. A visit to the GP could also involve meeting with other health practitioners such as a practice nurse or dietician, who would support the patient’s self-help efforts.”
Professor Jackson said this healthcare system of the future relied on teamwork supported by appropriate human resources, administration, IT and training systems.
Her new role at UQ would focus on moving health services towards this model through continued health service research, involvement in multiprofessional education, and working with specialist colleges to promote a futurist postgraduate training approach.
Faculty Executive Dean, Professor Peter Brooks said he was delighted with the appointment. Professor Jackson would significantly add to the development of multiprofessionalism in health education and research, as well as enhancing University leadership in health workforce change.
For more information, please contact Faculty Communications Officer Marlene McKendry at (07) 33464713 or 0401 996847.
