AMAV VICDOC Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 19
We are fortunate to have a highly trained,
multidisciplinary workforce, a national universal
healthcare system, and strong research and
education institutions. However, there are plenty
of opportunities to restore confidence in the
system and improve our provision of care.
—
FUNDING MODELS NEED TO BE ENHANCED
TO BETTER SUPPORT PATIENTS.
MEANINGFUL CHANGE IS POSSIBLE WHEN
THE HEALTH SYSTEM WORKS COLLABORATIVELY.
Patient-centred multidisciplinary models
are applied successfully overseas. They are
supported by different types of funding
models, which include fee for service as the
foundation, but also incentives for quality
and providing care for people with complex
care and social needs. Strengthening
Medicare is making small steps towards
this. Investing in general practice ultimately
saves money but more importantly, patients
benefit from more accessible, holistic and
timely care. How can we get hospitals to
appropriately fund timely and expert advice
for GP clinical queries? This investment
would ensure GPs can address more in
the community, while also ensuring the
right care and investigations are in place
before we transfer patients to a hospital
or specialist outpatient setting. We also
need transparency from hospital systems
about how they're performing in terms
of communication, planning, access and
equity. When we measure the right things,
we can incentivise the right things.
Initiatives that I and others have put
forward that require cross-healthcare
sector commitment, such as equal pay
and leave for GP registrars, patient
registration models, mixed funding models
and electronic prescribing, have gained
traction. As an advocate for healthcare
reform, I am encouraged by the progress
we’ve made towards improving access to
sexual and reproductive health services,
shared maternity care, shared care in
cancer and chronic care. While Victoria's
healthcare system stands on solid ground,
it also faces challenges that demand
concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
Embracing a GP-led patient-centred
medical home model, enhancing
communication and collaboration, and
addressing access and equity issues are
critical steps in rebuilding confidence
in our healthcare system and ensuring
equitable access to quality care and
outcomes for all.
—
—
VI CD O C WI NTER 2024
19
