Doctors have critical role in good stewardship in our health system
The Australian Medical Association has re-affirmed its commitment to good stewardship in our health system, highlighting the critical role doctors play in ensuring healthcare resources are used wisely, and recommended that more training and resources are made available to support them in this role.
The Australia Medical Association’s Position statement on doctors’ role in stewardship of healthcare resources 2023 also calls for federal government funding for key programs that encourage research, education and improvements in the stewardship of healthcare resources.
AMA President Steve Robson said emphasising awareness and training in the stewardship of healthcare would reduce pressure on the system and drive down costs for patients by minimising wasteful clinical expenditure.
“Making sure that the care provided to Australians is evidence-based, while promoting preventive strategies to reduce the risk of chronic disease, is critical to maintaining an effective healthcare system,” Professor Robson said.
“With the strains on our health system laid bare by the pandemic, acknowledgement of the importance of stewardship would equip doctors with strategies to overcome a range of challenges when it comes to effectively managing resources.”
The statement argues medical schools and vocational training providers should ensure future doctors and healthcare workers are adequately trained in stewardship.
Doctors, especially those in senior positions, must also continue this education in professional practice to stay informed of the most appropriate and cost-effective care available to patients.
Professor Robson said the public also has a role to play by understanding the limitations of certain health services and managing expectations around treatment options.
“Public health literacy — the ability to understand health information and make appropriate individual care decisions — could be boosted through government-funded awareness campaigns,” he said.
Professor Robson said the position statement reaffirmed the importance of doctors having a say in key funding and policy decisions.
“Without doctors’ crucial perspective on clinical stewardship, there is a risk of major funding and policy decisions being driven purely by political or financial motives leading to the wasteful use of resources,” he said.
Read the AMA’s Position statement on doctors’ role in stewardship of healthcare resources 2023
