The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed a new program in Western Australian to fund GPs' access to non-GP specialist advice from five medical specialties to save their patients time and stress and provide more patients treatment for complex issues with their usual GP.
The $8.2 million 'GP ASK' pilot program will fund non-GP specialists to advise GPs on their patients' management and health issues, via phone or secure message. Patient records will be securely shared via WA's Smart Referrals electronic referrals system.
The WA Government has said it will consult with the RACGP and specialist GPs on the implementation of the program. Potential specialties from which GPs will be able to access advice in the pilot include:
- immunology
- paediatrics
- respiratory medicine
- spinal surgery
- geriatrics.
The program will draw from the success of the Virtual Immunology Clinic at Perth's Fiona Stanley Hospital, as well as similar overseas services like Canada's Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise (RACE) service.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman welcomed the program and recognition of the important role specialist GPs have in ensuring the state's health system serves patients' needs and operates efficiently.
"A strong GP workforce which can access the non-GP specialist advice their patients need is the core of an effective health system," she said.
"Specialist GPs are the forefront of the health system, and we know our patients' medical history and personal circumstances best. We work with patients and coordinate their care alongside non-GP specialists and other health professionals to ensure patients have their health needs are met.
"When patients can see their trusted GP who knows their medical history when they need to, they stay healthy in the community and out of hospital for longer. There's no substitute for that care.
"Our latest Health of the Nation survey of GPs found 55% of GPs report patient access to other medical specialists is one of the main issues they face as a GP. If implemented well, this will help GPs manage patients in the community longer and keep patients off long public waiting lists to see non-GP specialists.
"Most GPs and patients have both given Perth's virtual immunology clinic positive feedback, so this pilot is promising.
"Giving GPs better access to advice through a well implemented process from other specialists though an effective system can mean patients have better access and outcomes for their health care concerns.
"We look forward to working with the WA Government to ensure any implementation reflects what non-GP specialties will best serve GPs and our patients, and best reflect with how GPs work.
