Multidisciplinary care teams are increasingly demonstrating their ability to support busy GPs and increase patient access to affordable and coordinated primary care.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is strengthening access to coordinated, person-centred primary care support by supporting smaller and solo general practices in priority locations to connect with multidisciplinary care teams.
In response to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing directed 2023-24 Budget investment through Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to improve access to affordable multidisciplinary team (MDT) care in general practice where it is most needed.
Multidisciplinary care teams in general practice have shown to reduce barriers for patients accessing clinically appropriate care, easing pressure on GPs, and enabling clinicians to work at the top of their scope while improving coordination across team-based primary care.
PHN commissioning of multidisciplinary teams within general practice can increase patient access to care in the community, enhance the management of chronic conditions, and reduce avoidable hospitalisations in underserved communities.
Extensive consultation and engagement with local general practices, allied health providers and other key primary health care stakeholders have informed WAPHA’s implementation of a multidisciplinary team care model within general practices.
WAPHA has commissioned multidisciplinary team services with PDC Health Hub in the metropolitan area and Central West Health & Rehabilitation in the Midwest.
This model is embedding sustainable, team-based care within general practice settings to enhance access, strengthen coordination, and improve health outcomes across Western Australian communities.
Quick links
- Strengthening Medicare
- Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report
- The Vision for general practice – The model for high-quality patient care
Contact
For more information please contact:
MDT@wapha.org.au
The Department is prioritising this investment towards small and solo general practices (with <5 GP FTE) located in the following under-served or financially disadvantaged areas:
- Perth North: Balga-Mirrabooka, Bedford, Stirling and Girrawheen
- Perth South: Maddington, Langford and Beckingham
- Country WA: Geraldton, Mullewa and Morawa
Multidisciplinary care transforming patient outcomes
Kate Fulford, and Dr Priya Krishnan from Pramana Medical Centre speak about about the transformative impact of multidisciplinary team care.
