The Value of the Divisions Network
Eleanor Jackson-Bowers, PHC RIS
Although Divisions were established in 1992 and have developed a great deal since then, there has not been a study of their value to the Australian primary care system.
This report is based on quantitative analyses of the effect of divisions and is based on various sources of data, including the Annual Survey of Divisions.
The aim of the analyses was to isolate the effect of Divisions on measurable areas of primary care performance, whilst standardising for the effects of population and GP characteristics (p28).
Five areas of performance are examined:
- Practice infrastructure
- Access
- Multidisciplinary working
- Chronic disease
- Prevention and early intervention.
Statistically accounting for factors not controllable by Divisions has been an important part of the analyses. This is required because such factors are confounding – they confuse understanding of the real effects of Divisions.
The results of the analysis indicate that Divisions have had a positive effect. For example, Division activities which had statistically significant associations with areas of primary care performance included:
- Support for practice infrastructure (IM/IT)
- Conduct of programs or activities focusing on asthma or diabetes
- Number of staff employed by each Division
- Support for practice nurses.
The associations are interpreted and explained in detail in the report, which is available for reading and downloading on the AGPN website at www.adgp.com.au/site/index.cfm?PageMode=indiv&module=NEWS&page_id=19477&leca=16
Reference
Scott A, Coote B. (2006). The Value of the Divisions Network. Australian General Practice Network
The SANE Guide to mental illness for the Workplace
Eleanor Jackson-Bowers, PHC RIS
The Guide to Mental Illness for the Workplace is for colleagues and supervisors of people who have a mental illness.
It has four sections providing practical information about:
- How to help
- About mental illness and treatments
- Mental health and other services
- Helping someone in a crisis.
Mental illness affects approximately 20% of adult Australians at some time in their lives, and having some knowledge of what to do if a colleague is ill is reassuring. Providing information openly in the workplace will help to dispel some of the misconceptions about mental illness and those who suffer from it.
Contact: www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263)
Reference
SANE Australia. (2005). The SANE Guide to mental illness for the Workplace. SANE Australia
|
