news
Nurses, GPs, patients
on the same page
AMA guide aims to reduce frustration
and disruption in the healthcare
system and boost overall care.
I
n an effort to improve health outcomes for patients, the
Australian Medical Association has released a new guide,
10 Minimum Standards for Communicating between Health
Services and General Practitioners and other Treating Doctors.
It was adapted from an AMA Victoria document and provides
criteria for communication to improve quality care.
The AMA has since written to all state and territory health
departments and private hospitals urging them to use the new
standards to inform policy development.
Vice-president and Melbourne GP Dr Tony Bartone said the
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obots don’t always have the upper hand – new studies
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As hospitals spend millions on robotics and new
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4 | nursingreview.com.au
guide encouraged all healthcare providers and institutions to share
the responsibility of improving communication with patients.
“The guide covers the patient journey from the community
setting to treatment in a hospital or healthcare facility and return to
the community – including clinical handover back to the patient’s
general practitioner,” Dr Bartone said.
“Improving the communication between all the different
providers in the health system can help to reduce readmissions
and minimise adverse events.
“More effective communication delivers improvements in
satisfaction and experience for patients, carers, families, doctors
and other health practitioner