Changing the Scene: Lessons Learned and Actioned into General Practice from Australian Flood Fire Drought & Heat through Primary Health Networks

Abstract

Introduction:

General Practitioners (GPs) manage the majority of usual healthcare needs in a community. These healthcare needs do not cease in disasters; they increase and expand. However, inclusion of GPs in disaster healthcare systems is only just beginning. Systematic review of the health effects of disasters over days, months, and years, shows the major burden of healthcare needs associated with disasters is within the realm of usual general practice. In Australia, Primary Health Networks (PHNs) represent local GPs in each region. They offer the best option for systematic linkage of GPs to the broader DHM system.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature on the health effects of disasters and three qualitative studies reviewing the current experiences, barriers and facilitators to GP involvement in DHM systems were undertaken through a PhD at the Australian National University in 2022. A knowledge to action framework was developed and utilized to provide a systematic strategy to guide efforts to diffuse, disseminate, and implement the research as it emerged, with a focus on sustaining those changes through integration of PHNs into Australian DHM systems.

Results:

Integration of GPs, through PHNs, is evolving, through systematic inclusion in planning and policy in local health districts. Over time, evidence-based knowledge of disaster healthcare needs has been incorporated into GP disaster planning and preparedness, and resource development, and utilized by GPs during the recent 2019 Black Summer Bushfires, and East coast Floods.

Conclusion:

As our knowledge of the healthcare needs of disasters continues to reflect our increasingly challenging and complex world, the proven benefit of active involvement in holistic, comprehensive continuity of healthcare through General Practice in DHM systems through PHN linkage becomes more urgent.