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- Title
Investigating referral pathways from primary care to consumer health organisations.
- Authors
Young, Charlotte E.; Mutch, Allyson J.; Boyle, Frances M.; Dean, Julie H.
- Abstract
While chronic disease places an increasing burden on Australia's primary care system it is unrealistic to expect GPs to meet the range of support needs experienced by patients managing chronic conditions. Consumer health organisations (CHO) have the potential to augment clinical care by providing a variety of supportive services; however, they are underutilised by patients and GPs. This qualitative study investigates GPs' knowledge and perceptions of CHO and their contributions to chronic disease care. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 10 GPs. Overall, participants demonstrated clear understanding of the role of CHO in chronic disease management, but a critical finding was the way GPs' view of their own chronic care role appears to influence referral practices. GPs operating in a traditional role were less likely to refer toCHOthan those who had adopted a chronic care approach. A second key finding related to GPs' views of Diabetes Australia. All GPs identified this organisation as an important referral point, providing some reassurance that CHO can be integrated into the primary care sector. Further research is needed to determine howthe 'definite advantages' associated with Diabetes Australia can be used to extend GP referral and enhance the health system's integration of other CHO.
- Subjects
PRIMARY health care; PRIMARY care; CHRONIC diseases; HEALTH services administration; HEALTH care industry; QUALITATIVE research; GENERAL practitioners; SELF-management (Psychology)
- Publication
Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2010, Vol 16, Issue 3, p260
- ISSN
1448-7527
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1071/PY09081