Approximately 70% of GP consultations are with patients who have a chronic disease, defined as any disease lasting longer than 6 months. Whilst these patients may never be cured, they require ongoing care for the effective management of their disease, to minimise the development or exacerbation of symptoms. Their optimum care requires complex interventions over time from a range of professionals supported by good systems.

GPGC supports GPs and general practices to develop the systems required to optimise chronic disease care. We can offer advice around activities such as setting up clinics, recall systems, screening programs, measuring and improving chronic disease care including data extraction, and also run a range of clinical educational activities to update GPs and practice nurses on current best practice. We have considerable experience through our quality improvement work with practices, including in diabetes, coronary heart disease, mental health, COPD, renal disease and aged care.

GPGC has funding in 2010/11 under QLD Health funds to improve the integration and co-ordination of local services for patients with chronic diseases. A number of activities are planned including the further improvement of chronic disease best practice service pathways, identifying the range of service providers through an electronic service directory and improving communication and co-ordination between services. For further information contact .