AMA Calls For Transparency In Primary Health Care Reform, Australia

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 12 Jun 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The Australian Medical Association noted the Rudd Government's intention to develop a national Primary Health Care Strategy but voiced its concerns over the Government's lack of transparency on how it intends to maintain high-quality patient care while diverting patients from seeing doctors.

AMA President, Rosanna Capolingua, said the Rudd Government must put patient care at the centre of any health reform.

"The Government's proposed solution for patients needing to see a doctor is to falsely reassure them that seeing someone other than a doctor is the same thing," she said.

"Nurses and other health providers are skilled and respected in their role in assisting patient care but in terms of comprehensive primary care, they are most effective for patients while under medical supervision," she said.

"It would be a backwards step to remove doctors' medical competency and skills from the first point of call in the health system.

"The AMA is keen to work on solutions for patients to get access to the best medical care, not short change patients with a quick fix that lowers safety and quality.

"Medical Practitioners have the comprehensive training to treat the patient holistically, not just as an ailment or disease. Only doctors can take a history, examine and put together the whole person when making a diagnosis, initiating investigation and management and treatment.

"The training that a nurse undergoes is very different and not as extensive as that of a doctor."

Dr Capolingua said GP practice nurses and other allied health providers are already used as part of a primary health care team led by a GP. The AMA is keen to make the system work better, not actually put patients at risk.

"The Rudd Government should build on the strengths of the system - not try to re-create it," she said.

The AMA is concerned that not only will patient safety be undermined but also delays in diagnosis will do harm and ultimately, cost the health system more.

"It is not fair for patients to be directed to a system where there may eventually get sicker before they are directed to see their doctor."

"The External Reference Group needs to be satisfied that this model actually works, is safer, more cost-effective and provides the results promised."

"Where is the evidence that the community can be confident that patients and their safety are protected?

Dr Capolingua said the Government should focus on ensuring training for our increased number of Australian-trained medical graduates, and not work at taking away a person's right to access their GP.

Australian Medical Association