REMOTE AND RURAL HEALTH: The Evolving Role of the General Practitioner and Health Team
The Network: Towards Unity For Health (TUFH) Presents: REMOTE AND RURAL HEALTH: The Evolving Role of the General Practitioner and Health Team Community Approaches - Virtual Expert Symposium February 26, 2019 www.thenetworktufh.org Panelists: Pratyush Kumar Raymond Markham Margaret Tromp Description: Remote and Rural Health: Rural and remote health experts considered that remote populations are smaller, more isolated and more highly dispersed. Political power is less in remote areas; the nature of economic activity varies between rural and remote areas; and socioeconomic disadvantage is higher. As a result, morbidity and mortality are generally worse in remote areas. There are also workforce supply problems and decreased access to health services in remote areas. Different models of service delivery have developed in response to these conditions. Remote areas rely more heavily on visiting services, with differences in the relative roles of health professionals. In remote areas there is a stronger emphasis on public health approaches. Challenge Panel Questions: 1) What is the evolving role and responsibility of the general practitioner including the management of emergencies, treatment of medical and surgical speciltie, care of the entire family, referrals, and follow-up? 2) For areas limited with access to a general pracitioner, how can the health field broaden and strengthen the health team (Community Health Worker, Indigenous Health Worker, Nurse Navigators, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, etc.) towards universal access and equitable healthcare. 3) What are current trends, best practices, and innovations general practioners and/or the health team are utilizing to achive quality health care? 4) How can we encourage Governmental Policy Makers to adopt and incorporate current trends, best practices, and innovations for remote and rural health?
