GPpartners works with local GPs, aged care facilities, hospitals, allied health and community health services to improve access to quality primary health care for residents of aged care facilities.

Current work  |  Past work  |  Resources for RACF

 

Current work

Aged Care Access Initiative (Allied Health) 

A Federal Government initiative funding allied health clinical care services for residents in aged care that are not currently funded under Medicare or by other government funding. In partnership with Brisbane South Division of General Practice, we are providing dental and psychological services to residents in aged care facilities.

Press for our ACAI initiative:

• 'Gen Y goes geriatric' - Mental Health Review, April issue 
• 'Taking the initiative' - Australian Ageing Agenda, January issue
• 'Psychological Support for Residents' - Australian Ageing Agenda, 11 March  

Extended Skills Post for GP Registrars

A training and placement program to encourage GP registrars to work in aged care facilities and view aged care as an extension of their general practice work. The training aims to increase the number of GP registrars being trained to work in residential aged care facilities.

RACF/Hospital Yellow envelope

The yellow envelope is a communication tool that assists staff of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and hospitals to provide relevant medical information about patients transferred to and from hospital from RACFs.

Hospitals medication discharge process

We are working with Queensland Health’s Safe Medication Practice Unit, the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, community pharmacies, GPs and residential aged care facilities to improve the process and management of medications for residents upon discharge from public hospitals.

Past work

Improving Mental Health in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Feasibility Study Report (March 2009)

In 2008, GPpartners conducted a study within residential aged care facilities to provide support for newly admitted residents, their families and care staff with to reduce stress and improve the mental and emotional health of new residents and their families. Facilities wishing to replicate the program can access a free CD and resources to implement the program. View report | View training materials

Clinical Handover Initiative in High Risk Scenario (March 2009)

This 2009 study identified safety and quality issues and developed auditing tools to help services review and improve their communication processes. Many of the recommendations made have been implemented, including review of the current 'yellow envelope' system and development of a transfer form, in consultation with acute facilities, RACFs and GPs. View report | View audit toolkit

Aged Care GP Panels Initiative (2004–2008)

This Federal Government program provided GPpartners with an opportunity to bring together all involved in the health care of aged care residents to discuss problems including workforce shortages, training and the lack of funded services. Outcomes included establishing 'GP clinic' and business models, trialing remote computer access for GPs, development of an Extended Skills Post for GP Registrars and guides for both GPs and RACFs to improve working relationships. For information, see our info sheet.

Resources for RACF

Management

Clinical Handover Audit Toolkit (see above)
Managing Depression in Residential Aged Care Toolkit (see above)
Residential Aged Care Facility Clinical Resource Manual, SEAGP, 2008 (click Resources)

Crisis Management Flowchart
Guide to mental health status examination (print 2 on A4) 

Hospital communication

Hospital Transfer Form

GP communication

GP-RACF Communication Guide
GP Preferences List
GP Call Out Form

Other

Resident brochure

Last update: 14 April 2009