GPs call for better ADHD care in Tasmania: ‘The current system serves no one’

The Royal Australian College of GPs will today urge Tasmanian politicians to overhaul how ADHD is assessed and treated to allow more GPs to support patients in areas of high need.

At a hearing of the House of Assembly Inquiry into the assessment and treatment of ADHD and support services on Friday 18 October, Tasmanian GP Dr Tim Jones will call for greater support to help GPs assess and treat patients with ADHD alongside a wider team including paediatricians and psychiatrists.

Dr Jones, who is Chair of the RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health group, said the status quo in the state is letting people down.

“The current system serves no one," he said.

“Patients, both children and adults, aren’t getting timely or affordable care. GPs are seeing their patients struggle. Families shouldn't have to wait so long to receive the care and treatment they need.

“We need to embrace team-based care, bridge the rural divide, and look at innovative models to deliver better care now and into the future.

“We also need to firm up links with our education system so we can support them in their pivotal role in developing the next generation of medical professionals.”

Dr Jones will speak in support of the RACGP’s submission to the inquiry.

Alongside calls for models that support effective GP led diagnosis for patients with ADHD, the RACGP recommends making multidisciplinary models of care standard and introducing further support for shared-care arrangements.

This includes supporting GPs to prescribe stimulant medication for stable patients with ADHD, so patients don’t require frequent and costly specialist reviews.

RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner said Tasmania should not fall further behind progress in other states.  

“There are simply too many patients with ADHD who are still not getting the support they need in a timely way in Tasmania, particularly in rural and regional areas,” he said.

"It is essential for the Tasmanian Government to cut red tape and allow GPs to play a more active role supporting our patients through assessment and management of ADHD, in a coordinated approach from a team including psychiatrists, paediatricians, and allied health professionals.

“This measure would reduce the burden on specialist services, cut patient costs and improve access for Tasmanian patients.

“It is time to move towards a nationally consistent approach that helps adults and children living with ADHD access individualised support via the health professional that knows them best – their GP.”

~ENDS

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