Implementing the Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP) Program to Support Rural General Practice Viability in Australia

Abstract

Objective

With a lack of medical workforce delaying patient access to general practitioners (GPs) in rural and remote regions, models of care are urgently needed to improve access and continuity of care. This evaluation aims to understand implementation outcomes, determinants and strategies to support broader implementation of the Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP) Program.

Setting

VIP provides an urban-based GP to a rural general practice in Queensland, offering ongoing care to patients remotely via telehealth.

Participants

The VIP GP joins the practice part-time for a minimum of 12–18 months and works onsite for a short period (3–5 days) every 6 months.

Design

This mixed methods evaluation reviewed the service, billing, cost and patient survey data collected, and qualitative interviews were conducted with VIP GP delivery staff. The interview transcripts were coded, and thematic analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and used to derive implementation determinants.

Results

The service was delivered in eight rural/remote Queensland practices (2021–2024) involving 8309 episodes of care. Recurrent costs included staff wages, GP onsite visits and digital infrastructure. Qualitative interviews conducted with 15 VIP GP delivery staff highlighted determinants related to VIP GP model design and relative advantage, partnership codesign and funding, cost, infrastructure, and program staff.

Conclusion

This evaluation highlighted the ongoing feasibility of the VIP model in supplementing rural workforce and improving patient access and continuity of care. Strategies key to implementation include partner and recruitment support and ensuring suitable practice staff and digital infrastructure at the practice.