More than 100 clinicians, policymakers, researchers, patient advocates and healthcare stakeholders gathered in Sydney today for the Medibank Group’s Primary Care Symposium, exploring how Australia can strengthen primary care and improve health outcomes for future generations.
The Symposium brought together some of the country's leading voices in healthcare to discuss the challenges facing primary care and the reforms needed to improve access, affordability, prevention and the long-term sustainability of the health system.
The event featured keynote presentations from internationally recognised longevity and prevention expert Professor Luigi Fontana, who explored the role prevention can play in extending healthy years of life, Productivity Commission Commissioner Dr Alison Roberts, who discussed the importance of a whole-of-system approach to strengthening prevention, and Associate Professor Elizabeth Scott, University of Sydney, who shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing primary care reform.
A panel discussion featuring patient advocate Lisa Robins and RACGP President-elect Dr Ramya Raman highlighted the importance of ensuring patients remain at the centre of future reforms.
Medibank Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Wilson said strengthening primary care is critical if Australia is to meet the health challenges of the coming decades.
"People in Australia are living longer than ever before, with life expectancy now reaching 81.1 years for men and 85.1 years for women. But we're also seeing rising rates of chronic disease, with six in 10 Australians now living with a chronic condition,” Dr Wilson said.
"A significant amount of Australia's disease burden could be avoided or reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors, which is why prevention and access to high-quality primary care must be at the centre of healthcare reform.
"Today's Symposium brought together experts and leaders from across the healthcare sector because no single organisation can solve these challenges alone."
Primary care is the front door of our health system. When people can access the right care at the right time, we can improve health outcomes, reduce avoidable hospitalisations and build a more sustainable healthcare system for future generations.
The Symposium forms part of Medibank's broader commitment to healthcare reform through research, advocacy, partnerships and health service delivery.
In recent years, Medibank has strengthened its role in primary care through investments in Myhealth and Better Medical, making it, one of Australia's largest primary care providers, supporting a network of around 1,500 GPs across Australia.
Through these investments, Medibank is helping drive the transition towards more connected, multidisciplinary and prevention-focused models of care.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said a strong primary care system is critical to improving the health of communities and addressing growing demand across the healthcare system.
"General practice is the foundation of Australia's healthcare system. We need a system that supports prevention, continuity of care and multidisciplinary care, while ensuring patients can access affordable care when and where they need it," Dr Wright said.
General practice stands ready to play a bigger role. Nearly all GPs provide preventative care, and want to do more – but appropriate funding and time is needed to deliver this critical care.
Research commissioned by Medibank and conducted by RedBridge highlights both the growing pressures on primary care and strong community support for reforms discussed at the Symposium.
Research highlights
Cost pressures and access challenges
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Healthcare is the most important issue for 9% of Australians and one of the top three issues for 42%.
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Among those who prioritise healthcare, emergency department wait times and the cost of private health insurance and GP visits are the leading concerns.
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26% of Australians report they or a member of their immediate family have delayed or avoided seeing a GP due to cost pressures in the past three years.
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Among people with private health insurance, 21% have delayed or avoided GP care due to cost, rising to 33% among those without private health insurance.
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37% of families with two or more children report going without GP care due to cost.
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35% of renters report not seeking GP care due to cost pressures.
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57% of Australians experiencing economic stress have forgone GP visits.
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44% of Australians say an emergency department would be among their top three care options when they are unable to access a GP.
Support for primary care reform
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71% of Australians support team-based care once the model is explained.
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81% believe GP clinics should offer integrated services such as psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians.
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The research found women are more likely to prioritise the health needs of others ahead of their own healthcare, creating additional barriers to timely care.
The Medibank Group Primary Care Symposium was designed to contribute to the national conversation on primary care reform and help shape a shared vision for a more accessible, affordable and prevention-focused health system.