Shared Medical Appointments – HEALTHY HABITS WORKSHOP
What are Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs)
SMA (also called group visits) are individual consultations in a supportive group setting (approx. 10-15 other patients) where all patients can listen, learn and interact together.
Why Share Medical Appointments?
Traditionally, health care has involved one on one care with the doctor and patient. While this has worked in the past, it’s now less appropriate for the approximate 60% of medical visits now requiring longer and more personalised care. Shared Medical Appointments are a way of providing better care to patients.
SMA’s are not suitable for everyone so we will continue to offer individual appointments to those who would prefer it.
How does a SMA work for general appointments?
A general consult SMA includes a GP and a nurse facilitator. Throughout the session the GP is involved in the usual doctoring tasks (for approximately an hour), but in conjunction with the facilitator who keeps the GP on time and helps manage the group dynamics. The nurse will help answer any questions, assist with general health concerns, percentiles & BP monitoring, lifestyle advise, and contribute to the group with up to date information.
As such, an SMA is a comprehensive medical visit, not just a group education session, but has the added benefit of peer support from 10-15 other people.
What can I expect from a SMA appointment?
The appointments will discuss topics around building healthier family habits with a view to preventing childhood obesity. Any more personal physical exams can be conducted separately in a private room.
Why should I attend a general SMA?
You get the benefits and support from other people who may have similar health problems to you.
You get more time with your doctor in a relaxed environment.
You get the benefits of having a practice nurse available to help with questions about your general health, lifestyle factors and get advice.
You or someone else may ask questions you might not have thought to ask.
It’s a great way to connect and interact with other people.
What about confidentially?
Anything more personal can be discussed with your GP or nurse in a private room or at a separate appointment. All who attend are asked to sign a confidentially agreement so that anything discussed in the consultation is not spoken about outside of the SMA. Examinations are conducted in a different room privately if required.
What does it cost and when is it run?
SMAs are bulk billed at present so there is no out of pocket cost to you.
Wed afternoon from 3.30 - 5pm.
Please arrive 10-15 mins early. The group will start on time with no interruptions.
Please ask the receptionist for an “SMA appointment”for your date of choice.
Why not give it a go and try one today.
Date:
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Wednesday 22 nd
March 2017
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Time:
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3.30pm (sharp) - 5pm
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Who is invited:
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Parents & your children
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Structure:
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Shared medical appointments. On arrival you and your child will be weighed and measured by our clinic nurse who will also facilitate the session. Drs Tri Cao & Sunita Thavarajadeva will run the session speaking with each family individually and within the group. They will be providing information about healthy family habits and answering each family’s questions regarding their particular situation.
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Cost:
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Bulkbilled
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Goal:
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Find out if your child is in a healthy weight range and has lifestyle habits that support healthy growth.
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Register:
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Inform receptionist
Limited numbers
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