World Leader in Modern Health Care System to Headline at APP2016

World renowned expert on integrated health care, USA based Dr Paul Grundy, will speak at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP) in March 2016.

Back by popular demand, this will be Dr Grundy’s third trip to Australia to present at APP on global health care transformation and the patient centred medical home.

Known as the ‘Godfather’ of the patient centred medical home, Dr Grundy is the Global Director of Healthcare Transformation for IBM; where he develops and executes strategies that support IBM’s health care industry transformation initiatives.

APP Chairman, Kos Sclavos believes that Government policy and the funding model of the Medical Benefits Scheme (Medicare) will change and pharmacy needs to be ready to grasp the opportunity.

“The Government’s review of Medicare will lead to major changes. Dr Grundy has spoken before at APP on the unique positon pharmacists have in an eHealth enabled health system, where data can focus on high risk patients. Medication management is key for high risk patients who have multiple comorbidities,” Mr Sclavos said.

Earlier this year, Minister for Health, The Hon. Sussan Ley MP said that in the last decade spending on Medicare has more than doubled from $8 billion in 2004 to $20 billion today, yet only $10 billion is raised from the Medicare levy.

She also noted that spending is projected to climb to $34 billion in the next decade to 2024, so she wanted to send a clear message, to all with an interest in Medicare reform, that doing nothing is not an option.

“With significant funds allocated in professional programs in the Sixth Agreement, funds for innovative solutions via community pharmacy to address Minister Ley’s concerns should be explored.

“Dr Grundy’s main focus is on driving change in health care with comprehensive, linked and integrated health care systems. He has a special interest in primary-care pilot programs, new incentives systems, and the information technology required to implement such change.

“Paul Grundy has implemented and reviewed literally hundreds of programs and is in a great position to provide community pharmacy with ideas for successful strategies that could be implemented in Australia,” Mr Sclavos said.

APP2016 will feature an exciting line-up of over 70 international and Australian speakers, covering topics from cutting edge industry issues and clinical updates to finance and business management.

Media contacts:
For further information about Dr Paul Grundy, or APP2016, please contact Karis Bouher, Marketing and Communications Officer, on 07 3144 3614 or email karis.bouher@qldguild.org.au.