The COVID-19 pandemic response in the North Coast of NSW has, to date, focused on general practitioners (GPs) providing assessment and diagnosis of COVID-19, rather than the management of illness. However, COVID-19 outbreaks in other jurisdictions have demonstrated the essential role GPs play in ensuring continuity of care for community members, and reducing demand on acute health services when there is increased community transmission.
The majority of people diagnosed with COVID-19 experience mild illness and can be managed remotely, with advice on symptomatic management and self-isolation. GPs are ideally placed to manage patients with mild COVID-19 in the community.
Despite the relatively low numbers of local COVID-19 cases we’ve experienced in our region, it’s important we remain vigilant and prepared.
Healthy North Coast has worked with local GPs, the Local Health Districts and the North Coast Public Health Unit to develop the Management of Adults with Mild COVID-19 Illness: GP Response Framework.
The framework aims to support general practices and Aboriginal medical services to care for patients with mild COVID-19 via telemonitoring, in cases where general practice is determined as the most appropriate setting of care.
This initiative provides eligible practices access to financial remuneration for nurse-led care coordination, a virtual patient care kit and supporting resources.
Visit HealthPathways for information on:
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d