Pilot program supports advice sharing between specialties

A new program to connect GPs with five non-GP specialties could be on the way, allowing doctors to quickly contact their medical counterparts for advice and reducing the need for referrals.
 
With a State Election less than a month away, the RACGP has welcomed an announcement from Western Australia’s Labor Government of funding for the proposed pilot program, if elected.
 
The $8.2 million ‘GP ASK’ trial aims to enable GPs in WA to communicate directly with non-GP health specialists to gain advice on treating patients with complex issues.
 
It is hoped this will reduce the need for referrals and emergency department visits, and save patients time, stress and money.
 
The pilot will provide GPs access to advice in five specialties: immunology, paediatrics, respiratory medicine, spinal surgery and geriatrics.
 
Non-GP specialists will advise GPs on their patients’ management and health issues, either over the phone or via secure message. The confidentiality of patient records will be maintained via WA’s Smart Referrals electronic referrals system.
 
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said giving GPs improved access to non-GP specialist advice will lead to better access and outcomes for patients’ healthcare concerns and reduce waiting lists for non-GP specialists.
 
‘A strong GP workforce which can access the non-GP specialist advice their patients need is the core of an effective health system,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘We’re happy to be working with the WA Government to understand what [GP ASK] entails, particularly with the implementation process and how we would actually work on the ground, because we’re aiming to work towards reducing the number of hospital presentations.
 
‘That will mean quicker outcomes for our patients who are waiting long times for an appointment to see some of these specialists.’
 
The pilot has been informed by the success of the Virtual Immunology Clinic at Perth’s Stanley Hospital, which enables GPs to access specialist expertise more swiftly, reduce wait times for patients and enable more efficient patient care.
 
‘It has been, from what I understand, quite successful in its reach, typically with having immunologists working with GPs to provide some consultations and advice on patients as needed, which also means there’s good continuity of care,’ Dr Raman said.
 
‘Most GPs and patients have both given [it] positive feedback, so this pilot is promising.’
 
Dr Raman points to the RACGP’s most recent Health of the Nation survey, which found 55% of GPs reported that gaining access to other medical specialists for their patients was a key issue.
 
‘If implemented well, GP ASK will help GPs manage patients in the community longer, and keep them off long public waiting lists for non-GP specialists,’ she said.
 
The GP ASK pilot forms part of a broader $245-million commitment to WA healthcare announced this week by Labor Premier Roger Cook, ahead of the state’s 8 March election.
 
The pilot program announcement came on the same day as WA’s Liberal Leader Libby Mettam unveiled her party’s healthcare plans.
 
The Liberals’ $140 million GP funding package includes proposed measures to address the state’s shortage of GPs, such as $26.4 million for $40,000 GP training incentives.
 
It has also promised the $1 million roll out of the RACGP’s Community Residency Program, $60 million for free post-discharge GP visits, and $5 million for GP upskilling for ADHD co-prescribing.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.
 

digital health general practice GP ASK non-GP specialists waiting lists Western Australia