RACGP is inviting feedback on its new multidisciplinary-care position statement.
With every new policy in health seemingly judged on whether it supports multidisciplinary care teams or not, the royal college of GPs is revamping its position statement.
This week, the RACGP released a new draft position statement reiterating its stance that general practice should be used as a “central coordination point” for team-based care.
The exact makeup of multidisciplinary teams, the statement said, should be influenced by community and patient needs, with other variables such as patient complexity and conditions also considered.
According to the draft statement, general practice is typically the first point of contact within the healthcare system – which is why it should be the logical central coordination point.
“Studies have confirmed the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration in general practice when compared with a non-collaborative alternative,” the draft said.
“Members of the team create a common purpose and goal(s) centred on the patient, that include their collective interests and demonstrate shared ownership.
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“Every member of the team brings a unique perspective given their respective disciplines, different backgrounds and specific skill sets.
“While there may be some overlaps in roles, it is important to have clear expectations and understanding of functions and responsibilities for effective and efficient teamwork.”
The draft also called for reforms to My Health Record as a communication tool for collaborative care.
It took issue with the fact that the tool’s core functionality relies upon uploading and downloading static documents rather than dynamic updating of health information.
“General practice multidisciplinary teams improve access to high-quality care and can reduce duplication and fragmentation of care,” RACGP president Dr Michael Wright told The Medical Republic.
“They are particularly important for patients with chronic health conditions.
“A patient’s usual GP or rural generalist is best placed as the clinical lead of multidisciplinary teams.
“This because of their broad scope of practice, extensive training and clinical governance expertise.
“However, the team needs to be flexible and meet patient needs.”
