Proceedings for the 8th National Undergraduate Rural Health Conference

Abstract

What the people want – delivery of health services in rural & remote Australia <br/> This theme is contemporary. For example, recently introduced incentives encourage health professionals and patients to move towards proactive preventative and/or maintenance care (immunisation, health checks, diabetes care incentives, asthma 3 point plan) and away from traditional fee for service, as supported by Medicare and acute care facilities, underpinning reactive consults. There is continuing debate about the role and future of bulk billing within the community (affordability issues for people), funding and role of nurses and allied health professionals within the context of primary health care (accessibility for people), and continuing feasibility of the provision of home visits (access, affordability, and safety issues for both health professionals and patients). <br/> In May 2002, the South Australian government commissioned the Generational Health Review to develop a blueprint for reform over the next 20 years. The final report was released in 2003. The Generational Health Review for SA provides a basis that contributes to the development of a deeper understanding of the future role of health professionals within the community. During the announcement of this review, Premier Mike Rann and SA Health Minister Lea Stevens, promised "to use this Review as the means to put the consumer at the centre of health care, and we will do it. Health and health care starts with the consumer and must be driven by their needs." <br/> By placing patients at the centre of the debate and actively seeking opinions on how and what health services they deem to be appropriate, it opens the debate for future health professionals to re-examine their role and how best to utilize their skills when working in rural communities.