Projects > Rural Health

Rural Health

Project Objectives / Summary The aim of this project was to involve GPs in an injury surveillance program primarily concerned with the collection of data. This data could form a basis to: Enable GPs to provide salient injury prevention messages to Tasmanian rural communities; Conduct education activities for GPs in relation to rural injury prevention and treatment of injuries; Provide information to inform development of intervention strategies for injury prevention and management in rural areas; and Develop the role of GPs in providing effective injury prevention information to their patients. Strategies developed: Sustainable injury surveillance program in the Division's rural area; Effective working relationships with other personnel and agencies outside and within the health sector with responsibility for injury prevention; Data collection and analysis; and Increase GP and community knowledge of the incidence and pattern of rural injuries. Collaboration The Flinders University Research Centre for Injury Studies (National Data Standards for Injury Surveillance) Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, Monash University Accident Research Centre Murray Plains Division of General Practice South Australia Divisions of General Practice Tasmanian Workplace Standards Authority Project Outcomes Falls are a high cause of injury in the very young and elderly. Yards and gardens around the home and areas within the home are high incidence areas for injury occurrence. The largest single reason of teenage accidents is from falling off bicycles and trail bikes. More than half of the injuries reporting to the GP or local regional hospital are within one hour of the injury occurring, nearly three quarter within two hours. One third of injuries reported were for cuts/lacerations. Nearly half of the presentations were treated and re-appointed for review, a third are seen once only. Low numbers of questionnaires were collected. Analysis indicates that on average for the first four months of the data collection, questionnaires were collected at the rate of less than one questionnaire a week, per surgery. This was where a couple of locations had substantially more data collected than others, indicating that some areas have very low rates. (Perhaps the hypothesis that GPs do see a lot of injuries is in fact not correct and that low numbers was actually indicating low occurrence rather than poor collection rate). Recommendations In testing the underlying presumption that a large number of people with rural injuries present to GP practices and that these injuries go unreported, it may be beneficial to undertake a short surveys of all GP surgeries. This survey would record the number of patients presenting for the first time with an injury Encourage and facilitate opportunities that will shift the cultural paradigm in relation to research and data collection in General Practice. Implementation of initiatives to encourage GP involvement in data collection. Identify and promote long-term improved patient outcomes to encourage GP participation. A national coordinated approach to rural injury activity be implemented. Rather than generalised rural injury approach, development of a more specific and focused approach. Disseminating Project Information The report was placed on the Division's web site to provide support and insight for others who wish to undertake a similar activity. Distribution of interim reports to GPs within the Division and Rural Tasmania. Lessons / Assessment Barriers Drop out rate of surgeries collecting data was high. After the first month of data collection, the numbers of participant data collectors had been reduced to nine (38%). The collection and collation of existing material from throughout Australia took longer than expected as well as taking time to adapt to local conditions. Questionnaires and forms were normally available electronically but in different programs and formats, which required a variety of software to be used and considerable work in conversion. Numbers collected appeared low. 142 questionnaires were finally collected over a period of 6.5 months. The information event was very poorly subscribed despite intensive advertising to identify interest groups. Benefits GPs Every GP practice within the Division was contacted and given the opportunity to participate in the project. Those that participated and received individual analysis of data would have an improved understanding into what was happening in the region in relation to incident rates and type injury. The Division Improved national, statewide and local networks and linkages with groups and individuals involved in injury prevention and monitoring. Increased awareness within other organisations of GPs as key stakeholders in injury prevention. Divisional staff have gained further insights into data collection which can, and is, being used in data collection activities. We now have improved strategies and models for future data collection within other program areas. Short randomised collection will be used in preference to longer- term collection processes. Improved understanding of what does/does not motivate GPs to be involved in research activities involving data collection. The questionnaire has been a useful tool which can be used as a basis for future data collection should the need arise. Other (Divisions, State organisations, etc) The Division was approached by the Policy Officer, Tasmanian Department of Health & Human Services, with respect to a survey they were proposing to run in another area of the State. Questionnaires and background information was supplied plus suggestions as detailed above as to what might work and suggestions of what not to do. Similar assistance to any group requesting information will be available in the future. The lack of ongoing GP support during the project hindered its development.  There was an apparent unwillingness / enthusiasm in relation to data collection on injuries.

Contact:
Australian Divisions of General Practice Ltd
PO BOX 4308
Manuka Australian Capital Territory
Australia 2603
Email: adgpreception@adgp.com.au
Phone: (02) 6228 0800
Fax: (02) 6228 0899

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