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How can a GP quickly familiarise themselves with guidelines & recent recommendations for aged care?
The RACGP Standards for general practice residential aged care were released for consultation in Oct 2019. Details can be found on the RACGP website.
At the RACF when we attend, we only write notes on the RACF computers and none in our surgery letters, results come to the surgery. Is this a problem for GP's?
In the circumstances of an adverse or unexpected outcome to the patient, potentially yes. It is preferable that you have easy access to the notes and or the notes be recorded in your patient file. See 8.4 Medical Records code of conduct which provides an outline of the requirements for health records
Continuity of care comes up a lot - being available 24/7 or covering care if you are away. Is there an incentive to look at other models of care instead of just looking at the old fashioned GP model?
Following the Aged Care Royal Commission there it is likely that existing models of care will be improved and new models of care will be developed. The issue of continuity of care and coordinating care with other practitioners is a very important element stated in the code of conduct referred to above. Any gaps in care in circumstances where any patient is harmed is likely to be looked at unfavorably by regulators or the law.
Once we change the attitude we will be able to provide best services for their care. Please comment on this statement.
Attitude in healthcare and in this space is again an important element. The law, your code of conduct and clinico legal principles do not differ in relation to the age of your patient. Responsibility and accountability will apply where you are providing a healthcare service.
Should we also keep a record of our hospital visits- at our surgery too?
It is preferable that you have easy access to the notes and or the notes be recorded in your patient file. See 8.4 Medical Records code of conduct which provides an outline of the requirements for health records.