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Situation report: Australian general practitioners in disaster health management

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Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
Title
Situation report: Australian general practitioners in disaster health management
Abstract
Background After decades of debate, Australian general practitioners (GPs) are being integrated into disaster health management (DHM) systems. Objective This article outlines the evolving integration of GPs into DHM in Australia and discusses key DHM concepts and systems GPs need to know. Discussion The aim of disaster response is a unified efficient whole-of-health response based on a multidisciplinary pre-planned, pre exercised system. Each discipline must have a clear understanding of how the system works and where they fit within the response. GPs’ link to the DHM system is through the local Primary Health Network that links to the broader disaster health response through the local health service areas. This article outlines the evolving integration of GPs into DHM in Australia. Although there is a long way to go before there is full integration of GPs consistently across all local health service areas, without linkage to the broader disaster response, GPs risk being unsupported, isolated and less effective in their response.
Publication
Australian Journal of General Practice
Date
2025-02-01
Volume
54
Issue
1-2
Pages
16-24
Journal Abbr
Aust J Gen Pract
DOI
10.31128/AJGP-06-24-7325
URL
https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/january-february/situation-report-1
Accessed
7/7/25, 1:32 AM
ISSN
2208794X, 22087958
Short Title
Situation report
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes

Study Topic
The involvement of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in disaster health management and their preparedness, roles, and support needs.

Study Type
Qualitative descriptive study based on a national survey (n=190) and follow-up interviews with 21 GPs.

Study Outcomes
The study found that GPs played critical roles during disasters—providing clinical care, maintaining continuity of services, and supporting affected communities—often with limited formal recognition or integration into emergency response structures. Many felt underprepared and expressed a need for clearer guidance, better training, and improved access to real-time information. HealthPathways was cited by some as a useful resource for accessing consistent clinical guidance during disaster scenarios, but its uptake and integration into disaster protocols were inconsistent. Participants advocated for stronger formal inclusion of general practice in disaster planning and response frameworks, and better use of tools like HealthPathways to support preparedness and coordination.

Citation
Burns, P., Reay, E., Sandy, K., & Robertson, N. (2025). Situation report: Australian general practitioners in disaster health management. Australian Journal of General Practice, 54(1–2), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-06-24-7325
Topic
Link to this record
https://researchbibliography.healthpathwayscommunity.org/bibliography/QRG6SNPG