Allied Health & Diabetes ManagementRhett McLennan

Program Coordinator: Rhett McLennan

Email:  r.mclennan@gpasouthgippsland.com.au  

 

Promotion of Allied Health Professionals for the Improvement of Population Health

The model of medical care is slowly changing from the GP being the “one stop shop” for all health complications, to a team based network of health professionals working together to improve outcomes for all unwell patients and clients.

GPA South Gippsland has recognized the need to facilitate this process in our area and have a portfolio specifically designed to make the process of seeing an allied health professional easier after initially seeing your GP.

This is being done by facilitating information sessions and working groups between all medicare eligible health professionals and doctors, setting up training practices on the use of databases to alert the GP of  their team care options, and attempting to attract more allied health professionals to consult within South Gippsland for the betterment of population health in our region.

The Lifestyle Modification Program Promotion

Stemming from the success of such lifestyle modification programs (LMP) as the Life program, The Department of Health and Ageing have provided Divisions of General Practices funding to further promote the benefits of these programs in our area within the 40-49 year old age bracket that may be considered “at risk” of contracting diabetes. The program is designed to:
 
- increase awareness amongst the target group of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and encourage people to take the AUSDRISK assessment
- provide information on the next steps for those with a ‘high’ risk score on the assessment, including GP follow up and request for referral to an LMP
- raise awareness of LMPs and their benefit in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.