| Project Objectives / Summary:
The project operated in parallel with the Division's GP Intranet Program which links GPs in the Top End, providing improved communications, enhanced peer group networking, access in electronic format to hospital discharge summaries and specialists letters, imaging, pathology results and internet and email.
The project provides the opportunity to tailor and deliver training packages concurrently with Intranet establishment and other service support arrangements.
The primary aim of the project was to provide practical training to GPs and their practices to assist them to benefit from computer based services. With available and continuously developing technology and systems, it was considered essential that GPs and practice staff be assisted in raising their competency levels.
Project Outcomes:
Delivery of the training program to all interested GPs and practice staff. There were 98 actual participants in the program, 51 rural and 47 urban.
Delivery of training in rural / remote areas in particular of the Northern Territory can be difficult to organise for a range of reasons, including staff commitments and practice commitments by GPs. Accordingly, a fair degree of flexibility is required. Despite this, around 50% of the scheduled rural / remote course could not be delivered.
Due to increases in costs associated with delivery in rural / remote areas, in particular the hire costs of lap top computers, costs exceeded funding approved for the project. The additional costs were met by the Division.
Program design provided appropriate to user needs with a mix of urban centralised classroom environments and rural / remote practice based situations. Training specific to individual needs provided incentive for practice interest (although not necessarily the most cost effective option).
Dissemination:
Publications:
The final report has been provided to the following organisations:
- The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
- Division Members
- Territory Health Services
- Other participant health providers
- GPCG
- Networking the Nation Secretariat
- Office of Communications and Advanced Technology
Website:
The final report was also placed on the Division website.
Lessons / Assessment:
The concept, while not appearing to be greatly innovative on the face of it, addressed a specific need in the Division. The project was effective and provided a platform for further IM/IT initiatives by the Division, including areas funded under Round Two of the Innovations Funding Pool. It represented a positive and necessary initial step in building the capacity of the Division's members to handle broader IM/IT applications. |
