Last week, Perth welcomed more than 1,000 general practitioners to the highly anticipated RACGP GP24 conference. Over four days, the conference provided a platform to explore the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping general practice in Australia. With a diverse agenda and keynotes from prominent voices in healthcare, here’s a recap of the event’s key highlights.

AI takes centre stage

Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated the spotlight at GP24. With at least nine sessions dedicated to its transformative potential in healthcare, it was the most discussed theme of the conference. A standout example, that was shared in the conference opening keynote, was eye-tracking technology. This powerful technology is helping individuals with cerebral palsy gain greater access to digital word processing and other crucial software tools.

Dr. Janice Tan, a practising Sydney GP and Telstra Health’s Clinical Director, delivered a compelling message to GPs: don’t fear AI, and don’t get left behind. During a panel discussion, Dr. Tan walked GPs through real-world use cases for AI, showcasing how these tools extend beyond direct clinical care. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing patient communication and optimising workflows, Dr. Tan explained how AI can be a powerful ally in reducing the burden on healthcare professionals.

The buzz around AI at GP24 reflected the growing excitement—and necessity—of integrating these innovations into everyday practice. By embracing AI, GPs can stay ahead, delivering better patient outcomes while also improving efficiency across their practices.

Strengthening Medicare: Keynote from Rt Hon. Mark Butler MP

The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, delivered an inspiring ministerial keynote, focusing on the government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare and the future of GP-led multidisciplinary primary care.

Key takeaways from his address included:

• Primary care achievements: Butler highlighted significant reforms under his leadership, such as the introduction of 60-day scripts, the establishment of urgent care clinics, record-level MBS rebate increases, and a rise in bulk-billing rates.
• Leadership acknowledgments: He congratulated outgoing RACGP President Nicole Higgins for her advocacy and welcomed incoming President Michael Wright, expressing excitement for Wright’s expertise in health economics.
• Optimism for General Practice: Butler shared positive data on record GP trainee numbers and increases in immigrant doctors entering Australia, reflecting a promising future for primary care.

In the keynote, Butler also hinted at the scope of practice reviews, where multidisciplinary primary care teams can be more greatly empowered to work to their full potential. Questions such as whether nurse practitioners could take on more responsibilities or non-GPs could make specialist referrals remain on the table for exploration.

Finally, the Minister emphasised the importance of digital health, reiterating that sharing by default—such as requiring pathology and radiology providers to upload results to the My Health Record (MHR) system—will help drive more seamless care. Mental health and state collaboration for public hospital funding also featured as other priority areas.

Telstra Health becomes RACGP’s newest CPD Major Provider: Transforming GP Continuing Professional Development withing MedicalDirector

Telstra Health was announced as the RACGP’s newest CPD Major Provider—a game changer for GPs using MedicalDirector Clinical software. This new partnership paves the way for GPs to easily access accredited CPD programs directly within their day-to-day workflow, all free of charge.

This news couldn’t have come at a better time. Nearly two years after the Medical Board of Australia introduced new CPD requirements, many GPs are still trying to navigate the Measuring Outcomes (MO) and Reviewing Performation (RP) requirements.  Telstra Health is uniquely positioned to support GPs in navigating these requirements, with many already using MedicalDirector software in their everyday practice.

One of the standout benefits of the CPD offering is its seamless integration with Smart Connected Care tools within MedicalDirector software, including Smart Clinical Support, Smart Visual Dashboards, and Smart Research. These tools transform existing workflows into CPD activities, reducing the administrative burden for GPs and allowing them to focus on improving patient outcomes.

Telstra Health’s first CPD program is set to launch within MedicalDirector software in early 2025. GPs can expect to see prompts appear in Clinical soon, making it easier than ever to meet CPD requirements while improving their practice and patient outcomes.

Improving holistic care for chronic and rare diseases

GP24 demonstrated the breadth and complexity of general practice with dedicated sessions on improving care for a wide variety of conditions and diseases. These sessions highlighted the evolving role of GPs in delivering tailored, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations and addressing some of the most pressing health challenges in Australia today.

Among the standout themes were emerging advancements, multidisciplinary approaches, and advocacy for better prevention and treatment across an array of conditions. Here’s a snapshot of the key topics covered:

• Genetic testing in reproductive medicine: GPs explored how advancements in genetic testing can help identify hereditary conditions early in reproductive care, enabling patients to make more informed decisions about family planning and pregnancy.
• Osteoporosis prevention in perimenopausal women: This session focused on proactive strategies to screen for and prevent osteoporosis in perimenopausal women, offering insights into early interventions that can improve long-term bone health.
• RSV immunisation: With respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) presenting growing challenges, GPs discussed how new immunisation strategies can protect vulnerable populations, particularly infants and older adults, and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
• Better care for people with rare diseases: Providing care for rare disease patients often requires a unique and multidisciplinary approach. This session emphasised early diagnosis, referral pathways, and advocacy to ensure that even the rarest conditions receive the attention they deserve.
• Neurodiversity affirming care for Autism: GPs delved into practices to support patients with autism, focusing on creating inclusive environments, reducing stigma, and ensuring care plans meet the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Sessions covered early detection, patient-centred care, and the integration of cognitive assessment tools into general practice to better manage Alzheimer’s disease in ageing populations.
• Preventing Congenital Syphilis: As congenital syphilis rates rise globally, this session explored primary care interventions to prevent transmission, including early testing, education, and antenatal screening.
• Vaping reforms and public health: With vaping increasingly under scrutiny, GPs discussed the latest reforms and how to navigate conversations with patients about smoking cessation, harm reduction, and the health risks associated with vaping.
• Chronic Pain Management: This session explored innovative approaches to managing chronic pain, including integrating non-pharmacological therapies, mental health support, and the latest research on multimodal pain management strategies.
• Multidisciplinary approach to Endometriosis: Recognising the complexity of endometriosis, GPs learned how multidisciplinary care involving specialists, allied health professionals, and patient-centred support can improve diagnosis and outcomes for this often-underdiagnosed condition.
• Asthma and COPD: Respiratory health sessions focussed on improving asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management through updated guidelines, better patient education, and preventive care strategies.
• Type 2 Diabetes: GPs reviewed the latest approaches to managing type 2 diabetes, including early intervention strategies, the role of digital health tools in monitoring, and lifestyle modification programs to reduce disease progression.

Across these sessions, a common theme emerged: the importance of collaboration and prevention in improving patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary approaches, early intervention strategies, and innovative therapies are transforming the way GPs care for their patients.

Looking to the future

The breadth of topics covered at GP24 not only reflected the complexity of general practice but also the profession’s unwavering commitment to evolving and meeting the diverse needs of patients.  With AI leading the charge in technological advancements, the government’s continuing focus on strengthening Medicare, and ongoing efforts to improve access to care, the next chapter of general practice in Australia is poised to be one of transformation and progress. Throughout the keynotes and sessions, one message resonated loud and clear: the future lies in embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring no patient is left behind.