ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 69
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
A
B
C
GP engagement: A proposed model to guide engagement
activities in Australian Primary Health Networks
Christopher Barton, Ms Susan Saldanha, Sharon Clifford, Riki Lane, Prof Grant Russell
D
Monash University
E
Background
Engagement with general practice is a requirement of Australia’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
The PHN program was designed to address the previous Medicare Locals’ perceived lack of
engagement with stakeholders and limited operational involvement of general practitioners (GPs).
However, like clinician engagement in other healthcare contexts, this has proven a challenge for
PHNs. We propose a model for GP engagement that draws on principles of stakeholder and clinician
engagement, and tailored to meet the needs of PHNs and GPs.
F
G
H
I
J
K
Methods
A state-of-the-art review of the literature was undertaken to identify the components, key challenges
and approaches to optimising clinician engagement. Findings relevant to ‘GP’ engagement and
engagement within Australian healthcare settings was prioritised. Qualitative interviews with GPs (n
= 18), other practice staff (n = 12), PHN staff and other stakeholders (n = 15) across three PHNs in
Victoria, Australia, were used to identify perceived needs of GPs and opportunities for engagement
with PHNs.
Findings
PHNs engaged with GPs in multiple ways, including support for accreditation, quality improvement,
data sharing, continuing professional development, commissioning and population health initiatives
among others. Interviews revealed a motivation among GPs to engage with PHNs; however, the roles
of PHNs and benefits of engagement were not always clear. A model to support PHN engagement
with general practice was developed. It comprised components including: (1) organisational values for
engagement; (2) needs of GPs; (3) areas of engagement; (4) stages of engagement; (5) communication
planning; and (6) monitoring and evaluation for quality improvement.
Conclusion
Adopting a model to inform engagement strategy encourages organisations to consider
implementation issues during the design of engagement activities and the context in which
engagement occurs. The proposed model represents contemporary understanding and best practice
in clinician engagement. It draws upon concepts from community and stakeholder engagement and
extends models for clinician engagement to the GP setting.
67