Development of an ERM Model

Building on overseas experience.

The proposed program is the synthesis of our learning from Australia and New Zealand in particular, but it is also informed by experience in referred services management in the UK and the USA. This work builds on the efforts undertaken by Network Members in areas such as quality use of medicines and EDQUM and by NZ IPAs in the various programs managed for referred services and pharmacy programs. It is based on successful clinical change management experience from around the world.
The program will operate with the following characteristics:

  • A general practitioner lead and driven program with GP clinical judgment on quality being paramount
  • Quality use of medicine and evidence based treatment is the highest priority
  • Data (Medicare Australia and GP desktop data) identifying treatments and, where appropriate, identifying alternative, more cost effective treatments.
  • An effective peer review system which will:
    • Provide education, training & support; and
    • Facilitate small group learning to support GPs compare their individual prescribing with best practice, evidence based information and with the aggregated prescribing data of their colleagues in a non-judgemental manner.
  • If savings are achieved, they will be redirected to agreed local primary health priorities
  • Local primary health care priorities will be determined in consultation with the division, the community, allied health and the GPs.

The ERM program is consistent with the principles as set out in the WHO Ottawa Charter: building healthy communities, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills and reorienting health services.