Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Paul Greenhalgh
Program Coordinator: Paul Greenhalgh
Email:  p.greenhalgh@gpasouthgippsland.com.au


Bowel Cancer Screening ProgramOlder Australians

The Bowel Cancer Screening program (BCSP) aims to increase GP awareness of bowel cancer and to achieve a sustained increase in ordering of Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) for GP practice patients from age 50 onwards in accordance with National Health and Medical Research Council and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner guidelines.

The Victorian Department of Health is  providing funding for GPA South Gippsland to:

  • Improve the uptake of bowel screening in general practice through a supportive approach that enhances the use of the Pen Clinical Audit Tool and the Primary Care Side Bar
  • Host educational events that inform general practice about bowel cancer and the relevance of the screening program
  • Assist participating practices with data extraction.

Click here to download GPA BCSP brochure

Lifescripts   

The Lifescripts initiative provides general practice with evidence-based tools and skills to help patients address the main lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease: smoking; poor nutrition; alcohol misuse; physical inactivity; and unhealthy weight. The initiative assists with the provision of tailored advice to patients on modifying their lifestyle.

About Lifescripts
 
The Lifescripts resources aim to make it easier for GPs and their practices to manage lifestyle-related risk factors by providing a framework for:
  • raising and discussing lifestyle risk factors with patients
  • advice in the form of a written script and associated patient education and
  • referral to other providers to support healthy lifestyle.
What has changed
In 2009 the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) led a consortium to review and update the Lifescripts resource kit. Consortium partners included the University of New South Wales Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity and the Royal Australian College of General Practice, as well as Dr John Litt, Associate Professor Manny Noakes and Professor Ann Roche.

The department has now reprinted the Lifescripts resources. These resources are more user friendly and streamlined. The modified package features four risk factor areas (smoking, alcohol, nutrition combined with weight management, and physical activity) and assessments combined with prescriptions into a single pad for each risk factor area.

Lifescripts clinical templates are available for four clinical software products: Medical Director, Best Practice, Genie and Practix. These templates are based on the assessment and prescription pads for the four risk factor areas.
 
Ask for Paul at the division for any assistance with implementing Lifescripts into your practice or if you wish to get a hand on some resources.

The Coordinated Veterans' Care (CVC) Program   

The CVC program is a positive step to improve the wellbeing and quality of care for chronically ill Gold Card holders.
The program will pay General Practitioners and nursing providers to coordinate care for Gold Card holders who are risk of hospitalisation.
Through improved community based care, the program is intended to improve the health of participants by:

  • providing ongoing planned and coordinated care from your GP and a nurse
  • educating and empowering participants to self manage their conditions
  • encouraging the most socially isolated to participate in community activities.

For GPs and nursing providers:  

A Guide for General Practice can be downloaded here and provides further information on the CVC Program, including ‘Setting Up Your Practice’, Eligibility’ and ‘How to Claim’.

Please follow link for more details: http://www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/health_programs/cvc/Pages/default.aspx

Practice Incentives Program (PIP) Indigenous Health Incentive   
 
The Government is providing payments through the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) Indigenous Health Incentive to support general practices and Indigenous health services to provide better health care for Indigenous Australians. This includes best practice management of chronic disease.

It will also provide funding through the Care Coordination and Supplementary Services (CCSS) Program for coordinated care and supplementary services and other health-related costs for Indigenous patients.

How this will work?
Follow this link please:  http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ctg/publishing.nsf/Content/improving-frontline-health
Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015  
 
The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015 aims to develop an effective prevention system, along with a strong and responsive healthcare system, to help reduce the growing burden of chronic disease and injury we are now facing, and support people to enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing.   

More Info?