Immunologists and respiratory physicians will be linked with GPs under a new WA government-funded program.
The Western Australian government is funding a pilot program across the state allowing non-GP specialists to advise GPs via phone or secure message.
The $8.2 million GP ASK program will provide access to specialists from five disciplines: immunology, respiratory medicine, paediatrics, spinal surgery and geriatrics.
The program will build on the learnings from the virtual immunology clinic for general practice in Perth.
The clinic allowed GPs to bypass referral pathways, thereby removing wait times, facilitating real time consultations with immunologists during patient consults.
The GP ASK program will be modelled on similar international programs like the Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise program in Canada.
Patient records will be shared through the WA’s secure Smart Referrals electronic referrals system.
The RACGP welcomed the new program. College vice president and WA chair Dr Ramya Raman said the pilot could underpin an efficient system.
“A strong GP workforce which can access the non-GP specialist advice their patients need is the core of an effective health system,” she said.
“Specialist GPs are the forefront of the health system, and we know our patients’ medical history and personal circumstances best.
“We work with patients and coordinate their care alongside non-GP specialists and other health professionals to ensure patients have their health needs are met.”
The 2024 Health of the Nation survey found that 55% of GPs reported that patient access to other medical specialists was one of the main issues they faced as a GP.
Dr Raman said that this program, if implemented well, could help GPs keep patients off long waiting lists to see public non-GP specialists and treat patients in the community.
“Most GPs and patients have both given Perth’s virtual immunology clinic positive feedback, so this pilot is promising,” she said.
“Giving GPs better access to advice through a well implemented process from other specialists though an effective system can mean patients have better access and outcomes for their health care concerns.”
The WA government has said it would consult with the RACGP and specialist GPs on the implementation of the program.
