AMA Position Statements Show The Way To Workable General Practice Policies Australia
The AMA Position Statements are:
-- Out-Of-Hours Primary Medical Care (approved by Executive Council, 6 August)
-- Call Centre Triage and Advice Services (approved by Executive Council, 6 August)
-- Fundholding (approved by Federal Council, 31 May)
Dr Haikerwal said the statements set out in detail the AMA's views and recommendations on these important areas of primary medical care provision from the GP and patient perspectives.
Dr Haikerwal said a number of GP policies released by the Government and the Opposition - especially their after-hours GP services policies - miss the mark because of lack of consultation and a failure to consider the impact on existing GP services in the community.
"These policies do not pass the access and affordability tests," Dr Haikerwal said.
"But perhaps the biggest mistake is producing policies whose success depends on doctors who do not exist. They fail to acknowledge the extent of the national medical workforce shortage. Not only are there fewer doctors overall, there is uneven distribution, and more and more GPs are choosing to work part time. This is exacerbating the access problem.
"The key to successful GP policy that will best serve patients and communities is to support and sustain the GPs and other medical services already in the system. Instead we are seeing policies that in some cases will compete with existing services - forcing many out of business - instead of complementing them.
"Our Position Statements seek to build on successful programs and systems that have proven success at the local grassroots level. We want the Government and the Opposition to build on these successes in close consultation with the people who know the local needs and conditions - the doctors, the nurses, other healthcare professionals, and the patients.
"We also make clear our strong opposition to policies like fundholding, and explain why they will not work in the Australian situation.
"The AMA recommendations are based on local knowledge, commonsense and responsible use of taxpayer money. We urge the Government and the Opposition to embrace our recommendations in their policy formulation for the coming election," Dr Haikerwal said.
Out-of-Hours Primary Medical Care Position Statement
77.50 kb Approx. 2 minutes @ 28.8kb
Call Centre Triage and Advice Services Position Statement
68.50 kb Approx. 2 minutes @ 28.8kb
Fundholding Position Statement
64.50 kb Approx. 2 minutes @ 28.8kb
AMA Poziþia Declaratii arate calea de urmat Pentru a workable practica generala Politici australia - AMA Position Statements Show The Way To Workable General Practice Policies Australia - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate