APA Strongly Endorses Draft Primary Health Care Strategy

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) strongly endorses Building a 21st Century Primary Health Care System. The draft Primary Health Care Strategy clearly acknowledges that primary health care is critical to a person-centred, sustainable and effective health system.

APA President, Mr Patrick Maher said, “It is clear that in times of increasing demand and economic pressures, primary health care represents an effective approach to improving service efficiency, coordination, and continuity so that the health needs of Australians can be met equitably and appropriately.”

The rigorous scientific underpinnings of physiotherapy make it an active and well qualified participant in the development of evidence-based primary health care service delivery models, which foster self-management, prevention and innovation.

As identified in the Strategy, funding imperatives — rather than clinical concerns — have in the past influenced not only accessibility to services but also the type of professional involved in a person’s care. The APA commends the Strategy’s call for the appropriate use of the current health workforce, to effectively and efficiently utilise the available skills.

The APA is happy to see the Strategy focus on improving equitable access, chronic disease management, prevention strategies, and a clear quality and safety agenda. “We will be advocating for an implementation plan that adequately funds these key areas,” said Mr Maher. If implemented in full, the APA believes the National Primary Health Care Strategy will lead to improvements in the health system, which will break down the current financial and bureaucratic barriers that Australian’s face accessing the most appropriate health professional.

Mr Maher said, “We look forward to a health system that recognises the skills and knowledge of physiotherapists, so they can be utilised to their fullest extent and play their part in contributing to improved health outcomes for all Australians.”

Contact: Danielle Elston 0423 208 289
www.physiotherapy.asn.au

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