Care for older persons. Are divisional programs meeting needs?
BACKGROUND
A national forum on healthy ageing was convened for divisions of general practice in November 1998.


OBJECTIVE
Views of delegates were sought regarding divisional programs for older people related to the following areas: working in collaboration; integration; the context of the older person; ageism; and structural barriers. These areas were felt to influence success of current prospects for future programs for older people.


CONCLUSIONS
Further communication, collaboration and integration appears essential to realise the potential that general practice offers to programs for older people. Issues from the forum are discussed in relation to relevant National General Practice Strategy Review and the changes introduced into the Medical Benefits Schedule in November 1999. Consideration of these themes will aid future divisional programs for older people.
Kerse
N
N
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, New Zealand. n.kerse@auckland.ac.nz
Nacarrella
L
L
Smith
K L
KL
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015397:Program Evaluation