A GPMP, or General Practitioner Management Plan, is a plan for managing a patient’s chronic medical condition that is developed by general practitioners (GPs) in Australia. It’s part of the broader Chronic Disease Management (CDM) initiative, which is designed to improve the care of people with chronic medical conditions and complex care needs. Here’s a detailed overview of a GPMP:
- Purpose and Goals:
- Chronic Condition Focus: The GPMP is specifically for patients who have a chronic or terminal medical condition. A chronic condition is one that has been or is likely to be present for at least six months, such as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, and stroke.
- Individualized Care: The plan is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. It outlines the patient’s health care needs, the services to be provided by the GP, and the actions the patient can take to help manage their condition.
- Development of the Plan:
- Assessment and Collaboration: The GP works with the patient (and possibly their carer/s) to develop the plan. This process involves assessing the patient’s condition, discussing their health care needs, and setting goals for managing their condition.
- Setting Goals: The plan includes specific, achievable goals that are relevant to the patient’s condition. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient and are based on their health needs and preferences.
- Actions and Treatments: It details the treatment and actions the patient will undertake – this could include lifestyle changes, medication management, ongoing monitoring and check-ups, and referrals to specialists.
- Benefits:
- Structured Approach: It provides a structured approach for managing the patient’s health, which can be particularly beneficial for those with complex health care needs.
- Medicare Benefits: Patients with a GPMP can access Medicare rebates for certain allied health services. This is through the Team Care Arrangements (TCAs), which involve coordinated care among a team of health care providers.
- Improved Health Outcomes: By providing a structured plan and ongoing support, GPMPs aim to improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals with chronic conditions.
- Review and Monitoring:
- The plan should be regularly reviewed and updated by the GP, ideally every 6 to 12 months, or more frequently if needed, to ensure it remains relevant to the patient’s changing health needs.
The GPMP is a crucial tool in the management of chronic diseases in Australia, offering a coordinated and individualized approach to care that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and health outcomes.