Working with GPs

Studies show that about 60% of all children in Victoria have seen a GP (General Practitioner) in the past six months, making the GP a child's most common healthcare provider. GPs are also the usual gatekeeper to the RCH - at least 70% of RCH referrals come via a GP. Furthermore, when we discharge from the RCH we are usually sending our patients back to the ongoing care of their GP. This makes it essential for us to increase our understanding of the role of primary care and how we can work better with GPs for safer, more effective and efficient ongoing care for children throughout Victoria.

Below are some resources, tips and suggestions on ways you, at the RCH, can help improve the way you work with GPs.

All kids should have a regular GP for continuity of care. See the 'Find a GP' page for parent factsheets, online GP database by postcode and more.

Find a GP

GP education and Up skilling

If you are developing or providing education for GPs or would like to, there are some important things to know.

Please go to more information.

Promotion to GPs

If you're doing anything that impacts on GPs or the care they provide before/after the RCH, you need to let them know. For example:

How you want GPs to refer or changing a referral process.
A new clinic or service.
A change in post-discharge management.
GP education you're offering.

Kids Connect can help you get your message to GPs through weekly emails (write 1-2 sentences with contact information), articles in GP magazines (focus on the GP perspective and include pictures if you can), via the Kids Connect website and in other ways. Give us a call!

Communicating better with General Practice

Most children are only in hospital for a small part of their lives - usually they are in the care of their GP. For safety and continuity of care, it is essential to ensure suitable communication with a child's regular GP regarding a hospital attendance, especially after discharge or an OPD appointment. GPs always greatly value a call from the RCH when appropriate - for example after a major diagnosis, life event, major change to medication or treatment or death of a patient.

See:

Discharge summaries

Getting GP input and feedback

If you are doing anything that involves or affects GPs, Kids Connect can help you get GP input and feedback through our RCH GP consultants, our RCH GP Advisory Groups, focus groups, tips on surveying GPs and more. For example:

Managing referrals
Booking appointments
Planning for discharge
Documentation
Communication and more.
Contact Kids Connect for more information!

Discover more about the RCH program and find links to key documents here:
RCH Primary Care Liaison

Last Updated 07-Apr-2009. Authorised by: Annie Moulden. Enquiries: Susan Jury.