CONFERENCE THEME
IPAC Conferences are variations on a theme: What general practice could be...
We recognise and value the primacy of the relationship between patient and practitioner, but more recently we have learned that we deliver our best when we work together - as communities of nurses, doctors and managers looking after communities of patients; as networks, providing support and clinical governance, through Organised General Practice.
Each of our Conferences describes a chapter in this continuing and evolving story of opportunity and achievement, of obligation and challenge. Our next conference, in April 2008 picks up the story where our last one finished.
At th 2006 Conference Richard Smith, and Sir Donald Irvine gave us much pause for thought. They described the impact of key events in the UK - of paediatric cardiac surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and of Harold Shipman. They described the changing expectations of society and called for a new medical professionalism (what Sir Donald has described as Patient Centred Professionalism), to meet the realities of this new environment.
Although the story was of the UK, their issues are also our issues. We will explore them in more detail at ipac08. We are fortunate to have Angela Coulter, the CEO of Picker Institute Europe as one of our keynote speakers. We will also look beyond the European experience, and we are delighted that Matt Handley, from Group Health will provide a perspective from the US.
We will look at three dimensions relevant and topical to the New Zealand context: Patients, Politics and Performance . There are many challenges and questions, but perhaps a couple spring immediately to mind. What is the role of patients in Organised General Practice, and what are the opportunities and risks in the current political environment?
The IPAC conference is the only regular conference open to all involved in primary care, and has a growing reputation for examining important and topical issues in a fresh, open and innovative manner. IPAC 08 will continue this tradition.
What to Expect?
Following on from the IPAC 2006 Conference, where Rae Lamb facilitated a relaxed informal approach with keynote speakers Sir Donald Irvine, Richard Smith and Judith Smith, we will carry on the same format this year, ensuring that plenary speakers are not just providing pre-written speeches but dialogue is taking place to engage and encourage participation from the audience.