Every Child Every Chance Project
Tracey O'Brien 26 Feb 08
Dr Wayne McDonald has been appointed by GPV as the Grampians Regional General Practice Advisor for the Child Health Assessment Project. This region has about 80 children in out-of-home care and DHS wishes to contract GPs to assess the health needs of these children.
"We have been asked to conduct the initial health assessment, provide a brief report and recommendations to the child's case manager and to implement any necessary referrals to paediatricians," said Dr McDonald.
Dr McDonald is keen to hear from GPs who would like to know more about this project and who are willing to conduct these child and adolescent health assessments. "I know how busy we all are but here is a fantastic way of being involved in the care of a particularly vulnerable group in our community and being remunerated to do it."
Children in care
Each year about 2000 Victorian children and young people enter the care of the Department of Human Services. These children are among the most vulnerable in the community, the majority having experienced neglect, emotional or physical abuse compounded by lack of continuity of health care. They are more likely to experience chronic health problems, developmental delay, post-traumatic stress disorders, emotional and behavioural problems, infections, under-immunisation and poor dental health. Many demonstrate signs of low self esteem. The rates of their problems are higher and the dysfunctions more severe than other disadvantaged children. GPs are ideally placed to assess and look after these children.
Inclusive process
A new process has been designed to provide comprehensive health assessments for children entering out-of-home care so they will receive appropriate treatment and services. DHS has agreed to pay GPs a fee for service to conduct these assessments.
Every child will have an 'Essential Information Record' to be a complete health and immunisation record designed to maintain information integrity and continuity. Carers will have access to this to help them provide optimal care.
The health section of this document will comprise:
- an initial health assessment by a GP on a standard proforma;
- for children under 6, a developmental and health assessment by a paediatrician; and
- a behavioural and emotional health assessment by mental health professionals in newly established Child Health Assessment Teams
Local implementation
Dr Wayne McDonald has been appointed by GPV as the Grampians Regional General Practice Advisor for the Child Health Assessment Project.
Issues for General Practice
There are issues for busy general practices: the timing of the appointments; remuneration; documentation; legal implications; and, ongoing care. GP advisors from each region will continue to meet together with GPV and DHS to resolve these issues.
Training and field trial
GPV is developing a one day CME workshop for general practitioners and practice nurses about these health assessments. Application will be made to RACGP for recognition of this workshop as a Category 1 QA&CPD activity attracting 40 points in the new triennium. Dr Wayne McDonald is taking part in a field trial of the workshop to help GPV refine a finished product that can be made available locally through our division.
Call to action
Dr McDonald is keen to hear from GPs who would like to know more about this project and who are willing to conduct these child and adolescent health assessments. He can be contacted on 5309 1111 or Email:
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2008/02/chap2
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