> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infoBytes > Programs/Initiatives delivered through the Divisions Network

print version    email this page 
  

Programs/Initiatives delivered through the Divisions Network

overview

The Divisions Network is required under the National Quality and Performance System to uptake any National Programs and Initiatives introduced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Brief descriptions and key PHC RIS Resources on some of these programs/initiatives can be found by following the relevant link listed below.

Please be mindful that this is not an exhaustive list. For more information on these programs and many others please see the Department of Health and Ageing website.

Further information

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is responsible for managing various national programs for the Divisions of General Practice Network. To view a list of current programs managed by them, please visit their National Programs page on their website.

The Annual Survey of Divisions (ASD) is a comprehensive longitudinal survey completed by all Divisions of General Practice in Australia to collect information on their membership, activities and infrastructure. Data from the ASD is presented in a variety of formats to provide valuable information regarding Divisions' activities.

If you would like more information on what Divisions are doing please visit the Divisions Network Reporting page on the PHC RIS website.

 

NATIONAL PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES

Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS)
“ATAPS enables GPs under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOiMHC) program to refer consumers to allied health professionals who deliver focused psychological strategies…Divisions of General Practice act as fundholders in this component of the BOiMHC program.”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Aged Care Access Initiative
“The Aged Care Access Initiative aims to improve access to primary care services for residents of Commonwealth-funded aged care facilities. The Aged Care Access Initiative, announced in the 2008-09 Federal Budget, will support primary care provision for aged care residents through:

  • A GP incentive payment to encourage GPs to provide increased and continuing services in residential aged care facilities; and;
  • A payment for Allied Health Professionals for clinical care services in residential aged care facilities, where these services are not covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements.”
    Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing, Aged Care Access Initiative (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI)
The Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI) is a joint Australian, State and Territory initiative launched in July 2006. ABHI is designed to shift the focus from providing services for patients with chronic disease to preventing the development of these diseases. The five priority areas for action are; Promoting healthy lifestyles, Supporting early detection of risk factors and chronic disease, Supporting lifestyle and risk modification, Encouraging active patient self management of chronic conditions, Improving the communication and coordination between care services.

Top of page

Australian Primary Care Collaboratives (APCC) Program
“The aims of the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives Program are to improve clinical health outcomes, reduce lifestyle risk factors, maintain health for chronic and complex conditions and improve access to Australian general practice.”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Primary Care Collaboratives (APCC) Program (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

General Practice After Hours Program
“The Australian Government’s new after hours grants program is the General Practice After Hours Program. Announced in the 2008-09 Budget, the new Program was formed by merging the Round the Clock Medicare: Investing in After Hours GP Services and the After Hours Primary Medical Care Programs. Under the General Practice After Hours Program, $76.3 million in grants are available over the next four years to support the viability of after hours GP services.”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, General Practice After Hours Program (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

General Practice Immunisation Incentives (GPII) scheme
“GPII scheme provides financial incentives to GPs that monitor, promote and provide immunisation services to children under the age of seven years. The overall aim of the GPII scheme is to encourage at least 90 per cent of practices to achieve 90 per cent proportions of full immunisation. The milestone has been met since May 2003.”
Medicare Australia, General Practice Immunisation Incentives (GPII) scheme (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Lifescripts
“Lifescripts is a national initiative, being implemented through local divisions of general practice, promoting risk factor management in general practice and primary health care services. The Lifescripts Resources aim to make it easier for GPs and their practices to manage lifestyle-related risk factors by providing a framework for: raising and discussing lifestyle risk factors with patients; advice in the form of a written script and associated patient education; and referral to other providers to support healthy lifestyle.”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Lifescripts (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program
“The aim of the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program is to improve the health of people living in rural areas through allied health care, with linkages between allied health care and general practice. MAHS funds eligible Divisions of General Practice to employ, contract or fund allied health professionals in rural communities.”
Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing, More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Nursing in General Practice program (NiGP)
“The Nursing in General Practice program encourages general practice to employ more practice nurses to improve patient access to integrated primary health care, to improve prevention and management of chronic disease and to reduce workforce pressure in general practice.”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Nursing in General Practice (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program
“Recognising the disease burden of Type 2 diabetes in Australia, in April 2007 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program as a part of the COAG National Reform Agenda.”
Australian General Practice Network, Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Program (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Workforce Support for Rural General Practitioners program (WSRGP)
“The Workforce Support for Rural General Practitioners program (WSRGP) is used to support the newly arrived and existing general practice workforce in rural areas. This includes support for training and professional development, and locum support. Funding for the program is managed by eligible rural Divisions of General Practice (those with at least 5% of their population living in rural and remote (RRMA 4-7).”
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Workforce Support for Rural General Practitioners program (WSRGP) (accessed 27/08/09)

Top of page

Compiled by Amy Hoffmann and updated by Kylie Dixon
View more infoBytes about Divisions
 
  privacy  |  disclaimer  |  copyright  |  quality  |  feedback  
last updated Tue 12 Jan 2010, 06:09 GMT
Top of page
More information on page