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The Australian Government's Discussion Paper 'Towards a National Primary Health Care Strategy' was released at the Australian General Practice Network’s 10th Anniversary Forum in Darwin on 30th October 2008. It provides information and a series of questions to assist individuals and organisations to structure their input to development of the Strategy through written submission, by the end of February 2009. This Discussion Paper canvasses important issues. Many of them warrant discussion and a number are likely to result in debate.
The discussion paper outlines directions for reform, and proposes ten elements of a better primary care system:
- Accessible, clinically and culturally appropriate, timely and affordable care;
- Patient-centred and supportive of health literacy, self-management and individual preference;
- More focused on preventive care, including support of healthy lifestyles;
- Well-integrated, coordinated, and providing continuity of care, particularly for those with multiple, ongoing, and complex conditions.
- Safe, high quality care which is continually improving through relevant research and innovation;
- Better management of health information, underpinned by efficient and effective use of eHealth;
- Flexibility to best respond to local community needs and circumstances through sustainable and efficient operational models.
- Working environments and conditions which attract, support and retain workforce;
- High quality education and training arrangements for both new and existing workforce.
- Fiscally sustainable, efficient and cost effective systems.
The paper also argues that greater equity in access and outcomes is essential, as is greater accountability for performance and outcomes.
Download the Discussion Paper
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