Increase GP preparedness for COVID-19 outbreak in RACF

GPs are aware of the COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facility Outbreak GP Framework and related responses.

GPs with patients in RACF undertake 100% of readings (see readings in starting points below).

• Read the COVID-19 RACF GP Framework Fact Sheet.
• Read the COVID-19 RACF GP Framework Management Kit and:
  • Understand the role of the GP Team Leader and GP Locum.
  • Understand the significance of the on-call roster, particularly in a disaster situation.
  • Consider your availability to be a GP Team Leader or a locum.
• Read the COVID-19 RACF GP Framework Guidelines.
• Be familiar with each facility’s individual outbreak plan
• Read the Do you have patients in an aged care facility? checklist based on the Victorian experience
• Review the following advanced care planning resources from the RACF COVID-19 Outbreak: ‘Statement of Wishes’ Process from Nepean Blue Mountains and discuss a process to update advanced care planning with RACF residents:
  • Letter to GPs re Advance Care Directive/Plan
  • COVID-19 Advance Care Directive/Plan – Letter to Resident
  • COVID-19 Advance Care Directive/Plan – Letter to Substitute Decision Maker
  • RACF Statement of Wishes Flowchart
  • Statement of Wishes – COVID-19
  • Advance Care Directive/Plan COVID-19 Discussion Resource GP RACF
• Refresh donning doffing procedures.
• Read HealthPathways COVID-19 Assessment and Management in Residential Aged Care.
• Read and share with patients RACGP Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice
• Keep these readiness flyers handy, as they are a good summary of what to do:
  • Are you ready – five steps to prepare
  • Are you ready – resident checklist
  • COVID-19 vaccination – new information for residents
• Become a GP Team Leader – be the communicator for your RACF team and be remunerated.
• Consider joining the RACF COVID-19 Basecamp by emailing Bron McCrae, Deputy Director Healthy Living and Ageing: [email protected]

• Participate in a scenario simulation with the RACF (speak with your RACF manager).
• Use the ‘Statement of Wishes Tool’ to update advance care directives for patients residing in RACF.
• Present the COVID-19 Residential Aged Care Facility Outbreak GP Framework at relevant GP forums or practice meetings using the PowerPoint presentation.
• Prepare remote (laptop) access to practice clinical information site to facilitate off-site care in the event of a large outbreak.
• Identify GPs with patients in RACFs and designate a person to:
  • contact relevant RACFs and gather copies of outbreak management plans.
  • access sufficient copies of the COVID-19 RACF GP Framework Management Kit.

Activity template (RTF – compatible with BP and MD)

Activity template (Word)