> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > June 2007 > Divisions Network Matters: ASD update

ASD update: Making a difference

The Report of the 2005-06 Annual Survey of Divisions is coming soon.

In 2005-06, 2397 staff in 119 Divisions provided information and support, and represented the interests of 22534 GPs, 7525 practices, 6 151 practice nurses and 8518 practice staff. They engaged the services of 1813 allied health practitioners (AHPs) to deliver services to over 100000 patients. They invited consumers onto their Boards, and engaged consumers in the development of their programs. They worked to improve the quality of and access to primary health care services. In doing this they aimed to improve the health outcomes for the Australian population (Hordacre, Howard, Moretti & Kalucy 2007).

The Annual Survey of Divisions (ASD) is completed by all Divisions of General Practice across Australia and has been conducted since 1992. Over this time the number of Divisions, format of the survey and nature of the questions have changed. The content of the survey is reviewed each year to ensure questions are consistent with the aims of the Divisions Network and the Australian Government. The administration of the ASD also underwent considerable change in 2005-06, with Divisions completing it on line for the first time (the survey had previously been completed in a word document).

The ASD provides an overview of, and insight into, the impact of Divisions on the primary health care system. The report reflects on primary health care developments, and considers how Divisions make a difference to the health care sector. Since the implementation of the Divisions program, prevention and early intervention strategies, chronic disease management and aged care programs and activities have increased dramatically. In recent years health workforce shortages have become increasingly prominent in the media, and allied health professionals now have access to Medicare rebates. Reflecting a shift in the broader health system Divisions are increasingly involving consumers in the planning and implementation of programs and activities.

To order your copy of the 2005-06 ASD, please call PHC RIS Assist on 1800 025 882. Annual surveys from previous years are also available to order or can be downloaded from our website (www.phcris.org.au/products/asd).

Reference
Hordacre, AL., Howard, S., Moretti, C., Kalucy, E. (2007). Making a Difference. Report of the 2005-2006 Annual Survey of Divisions of General Practice . Adelaide: Primary Health Care Research & Information Service, Department of General Practice, Flinders University, and Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. (In press)

For further information contact:
Dr Ann-Louise Hordacre, Research Fellow
Ph: 1800 025 882
E: annlouise.hordacre@flinders.edu.au