Table 3

Requirements for sustainable specialist outreach in the Northern Territory

Specialist base considerations
  • Adequate number of specialists

  • Outreach is integrated, valued, and facilitated

  • Outreach specialist has a hospital role

  • Outreach is shared and not dependent on one person

Primary care considerations
  • Adequately resourced and staffed

  • Demand exists for specialist care

  • A multidisciplinary framework centered in primary care and not dominated by specialists

The outreach service
  • Coordination and prior planning of visits

  • Funded separately

  • Evaluated regularly

The nature of outreach visits
  • Regular and predictable

  • Respond to individual community needs

  • Accountable to the referring practitioner and community

  • Appropriate mix of clinical services, education and support

  • Utilise education and training opportunities

  • Reliable correspondence and good communication