Beilby, Justin, Zwar, Nicholas, Burgess, Teresa, Hasan, Iqbal, Davies, Gawaine Powell, Couzos, Sophie, and Davis, Scott (2006) Linking evidence to policy: lessons from the national evaluation of the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan in Australia. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 15. p. 190.

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Abstract

Introduction: The Asthma 3+ Visit Plan (rewarding systematic asthma care in primary care) is unique to Australia. Based on the Six Step Asthma Plan, it comprises three GP visits over four months for patients with moderate to severe asthma. GPs receive an incentive payment on completion of the three visits.

Objectives: The Aim was to establish the degree of uptake of the Plan. Objectives included identifying barriers and enhancers to uptake for consumers and GPs.

Subjects: GPs, GP organisations and consumers (including non English speaking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples).

Methods:

• Statistical analysis of Medicare GP Payment data

• A semi structured phone interview of all 120 National GP Organisations

• A GP Survey (of a stratified sample of GPs)

• Consumer interviews

• Focus groups with non English speaking Australians

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders uptake analysis

Data from all these elements were analysed and triangulated and this paper reports on this extensive analysis. Results:

Uptake remains low and has not increased notably since a peak six months after introduction in 2001. Key barriers identified were:

• Structure of the incentive

• Lack of consumer education

• General Practice systems

The current Plan is not appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or CALD populations. Conclusion:

A "one size fits all" policy does not meet the range of needs across the Australian community. The value of rewarding systematic asthma care in primary care was however demonstrated. Flexibility, multi-disciplinary participation and a recognition of differing practice circumstances is required and efficient general practice systems are demonstrated as the key to systematic chronic disease interventions. Consumer education is needed around preventive health care.

Item ID:	30406
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	2055-1010
Funders:	Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2015 04:42
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920115 Respiratory System and Diseases (incl. Asthma) @ 100%
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