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GP-led research paves the way for greater aged care access
The study is trialling a new video-enabled virtual care platform to improve access to general practice in aged care homes.
In 2016–17, 92% of aged care residents consulted a GP.
More than 1.3 million Australians rely on aged care services, yet timely, high-quality GP access in residential aged care homes remains a challenge.
With limited GP availability, often outdated funding models, and logistical barriers, residents can be left without essential care.
In 2016–17, 92% of aged care residents consulted a GP, averaging two visits per month, and by 2022–23, Australians aged 80 years and older had the highest Medicare-subsidised GP use (17.3 visits per year).
While virtual care solutions gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, many lacked video functionalities, limiting their effectiveness.
Now, new research is set to change that.
With support from the 2023 Medibank Better Health Foundation (MBHF) and a RACGP Foundation Digital Health Grant, Professor Meredith Makeham is trialling a video-enabled virtual care platform in the Sydney North Health Network PHN region.
The goal? To enhance GP access for aged care residents while ensuring seamless integration into the workflows of GPs, aged care staff, and carers.
Collaboration shaping the future
The research team has worked closely with GPs, nurses, practice managers, aged care residents, and carers to ensure the new system meets real-world needs.
With 26 participants engaged and 20 in-depth interviews completed, early findings show that video-based virtual care improves communication, streamlines workflows, and enhances overall care quality.
‘We’re seeing a clear need for better integration between general practice and aged care, and this research is demonstrating how technology can help bridge that gap,’ Professor Makeham said.
Unlocking the potential of virtual care
The study aims to provide evidence to:
- Guide investment in innovative virtual care technologies
- Support tailored training for GPs and aged care providers
- Inform policy changes to improve aged care access
By addressing barriers to GP care, the research is paving the way for a more sustainable, patient-centred aged care system.
What’s next?
The findings will be presented at the Healthcare Systems Ergonomics and Patient Safety 2025 conference in June, highlighting the results of a detailed cognitive walkthrough analysis.
The insights gained will play a key role in shaping future care models and enhancing access to GP care across Australian aged care homes.
‘This research is about more than just technology,’ Professor Makeham said.
‘It’s about ensuring aged care residents receive the high-quality, timely GP care they deserve, no matter where they live,’
Have a big idea to improve general practice?
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation’s 2025 Grants and Awards round is now open, with $900,000 in research funding available
Expressions of interest for the Foundation’s large and major research grants are open until Friday 4 April.
Applications for all other grant and awards will open Monday 12 May – for more information about the Australian General Practice Research Foundation,
visit the RACGP website.
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