A new study has revealed the benefits of GP collaboration with the Red Cross.
A new study published in the Australian Journal of General Practice has highlighted the growing role of GPs when it comes to handling haemochromatosis.
The study looked at more than 4300 donors with the condition, with close to half of respondents (48.3%) having begun donating because of a GP recommendation.
Red Cross Australia, Haemochromatosis Australia and the RACGP have collaborated on a campaign to not only increase donations but also streamline the recommendations process.
This campaign has produced a significant increase in haemochromatosis blood donations, with an additional 2500 donations resulting in an extra 7500 lives saved.
“GPs are not just treating iron overload – they’re empowering patients to contribute to the national blood supply, with demand at a 12-year high across Australia,” lead author and senior medical officer at Lifeblood Dr Peter Bentley said.
“But we believe many GPs remain unaware that 87% of therapeutic donations at Lifeblood are used to make products for clinical use, where the donor meets all eligibility criteria, and that referring therapeutic donors to Lifeblood is not only possible but highly desirable.”
Other highlights of the study included a finding that 74.4% of donors reported that their GP experienced no difficulty in referring to Lifeblood.
“Referral pathways that integrate with the general practice software will make it even easier for GPs, because it’s about focusing on the patient and having those conversations and reducing the paperwork that goes with it,” RACGP vice president Dr Ramya Raman told The Medical Republic.
“I think it’s primarily it’s looking to improve the donation experience for the donors, and obviously having the ability for them to make and manage their own appointments as well.
Related
“So given that it’s a good cause of the ability to donate it’ll hopefully help to improve compliance.”
Respondents who reported that their doctors experienced issues with referral said that it came from a lack of awareness of the referral tool.
“We have had the app now since 2013 for GPs to refer therapeutic donors to lifeblood for their treatment, but we have substantially improved the functionality in recent times, so it’s easier for GPs to use,” Dr Bentley told TMR.
“We’re looking to further enhance that in coming editions of the app, so that it’s a more seamless process at the GP referral end, when their patients are in front of them.
“What the app really does is help allow as many of those patients to come to lifeblood, so their blood can be used for the production of blood products for the Australian community.
“It’s a win-win for GPS, really, because they can get access to expert phlebotomy services at lifeblood their patients looked after well in our donor centres.”
When it comes to expansion for the app, Dr Bentley also told TMR that Lifeblood is working with GP focus groups to finetune the app’s capabilities.
