Practices with a desire to expand their patient care services can access support and funding through the Workforce Incentive Program – Practice Stream (WIP-PS), an initiative by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The WIP-PS offers financial incentives to help general practices engage a range of health professionals, giving them more flexibility to respond to their patients’ needs and deliver care through a multidisciplinary team.
Through this program, practices can employ health professionals such as nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners, broadening the range of services and quality of care provided.
At SWSPHN, the practice support team plays a key role in guiding practices through the WIP – PS process. This includes helping practices navigate the system and achieve the necessary accreditation requirements to become eligible for funding. It ensures more practices can access the WIP funding and strengthen their capacity to deliver multidisciplinary care.
One example of success is Moorebank Family Medical Practice. Since becoming involved in the program they have enhanced their ability to deliver high-quality, accessible and patient-centred care through a multidisciplinary, team-based approach.
Practice manager Razeena Sahid shared their positive experience, highlighting both the impact and benefits of the program and the support received throughout the process
Why don’t you start by telling us about your practice?
We are a community-focused, multidisciplinary AGPAL-accredited clinic located in Moorebank Shopping Village. Our practice offers a wide range of healthcare services including general medicine, chronic disease management, immunisations, allied health and specialist support. Our experienced team of doctors, nurses and administrative staff are committed to patient-centred care.
How many patients, on average, do you treat each week?
Approximately 900 patients per week.
What motivated your practice to participate in the Workforce Incentive Program?
We wanted to enhance our ability to deliver high-quality, accessible and patient-centred care through a multidisciplinary, team-based approach.
Our current in-house allied health team includes a dietitian, podiatrist, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, general psychologist, three clinical psychologists and a pharmacist. With the support of WIP-PS we’ve successfully integrated these professionals into our care model, enabling more collaborative and holistic management of our patients’ health.
This has allowed us to meet the growing and complex needs of our community and to maintain the excellent feedback we consistently receive from our patients.
Have you found the process easy?
Overall, we’ve found the process to be manageable and worthwhile. While there were some initial administrative requirements to work through, the support and guidance provided made it easier to navigate.
The benefits to our practice and patients have far outweighed any challenges, and the program has been instrumental in helping us build a stronger, more integrated healthcare team.
Have there been any particular challenges you have had to face with its implementation?
One of the key hurdles was navigating the administrative and reporting requirements, particularly in the early stages. Ensuring alignment between funding guidelines and our internal processes also required time and coordination.
Additionally, adding appropriate allied health professionals into our existing team structure involved some logistical adjustments to workflows and space. However, with careful planning and support, we’ve been able to overcome these challenges and establish a well-functioning, multidisciplinary team.
How has SWSPHN supported your practice to participate in the Workforce Incentive Program?
SWSPHN has been instrumental. They provided clear guidance on the program’s requirements and offered practical assistance throughout the initial application and implementation process.
Their ongoing support has helped ensure we are consistently meeting WIP guidelines. Our Practice Support Officers have always been readily available to answer questions, offer resources and check in regularly to make the process smoother.
How has your practice utilised the WIP to improve services?
With support from WIP, we’ve integrated the best allied health professionals into our care model and focused on recruiting and training a registered nurse to specialise in chronic disease management. She has become the glue that holds communication together between GPs, allied health and specialists, effectively managing case conferences and ensuring coordinated care.
This approach has allowed us to provide more comprehensive, holistic care tailored to individual patient needs, enhance chronic disease management and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the program has helped increase accessibility and reduce wait times, ensuring our community receives timely, convenient and coordinated healthcare.
Can you share an example of how multidisciplinary team care has been delivered successfully in your practice?
A great example is how we are managing patients with chronic conditions like diabetes. Our chronic disease management nurse, dietitian, exercise physiologist, clinical psychologists and pharmacist work together to create coordinated care plans. This teamwork addresses the patient’s physical, mental and medication needs, leading to better health outcomes and positive patient feedback.
Were there any enablers which made multidisciplinary team care successful at your practice?
There were several. Strong leadership and clear communication channels ensure everyone from the practice manager through to the GPs, allied health professionals, specialists and nurses, are aligned and collaborating effectively.
Our practice manager arranges monthly clinical team meetings, which help keep everyone on the same page and facilitate coordinated care.
Support from the WIP has been crucial in recruiting and training skilled team members, particularly our chronic disease management nurse who acts as a key coordinator. Additionally, WIP funding has enabled us to increase nursing hours dedicated to preventative health recalls, improving patient follow-up and early intervention.
What advice would you give to other practices considering joining the WIP program?
Embrace building a strong multidisciplinary team and prioritise clear communication. Expect some initial administration work, but the benefits outweigh it. Invest in training staff and always keep patient-centred care as your focus to get the most from the program. We’re grateful for the WIP’s support, which has truly strengthened our practice and improved care for our community. The funding has helped grow our practice and enabled us to provide our community with the best possible care. We encourage other practices to consider participating to enhance their services and patient outcomes.
