GP–Paediatrician Collaboration Boosts Child Healthcare
16 Dec 2025
Research indicates that upskilling general practitioners in paediatric care can enhance their confidence, allow them to work at the top of their scope, and reduce the pressure on hospital services.
A new model of integrated care is pairing GPs with paediatricians to improve children’s health outcomes while supporting GPs to manage more cases independently. Published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the study by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) highlights both the effectiveness and broader benefits of the Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C) initiative.
The two-year study involved 22 general practices across North Western Melbourne and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Networks, with 130 GPs conducting more than 50,000 consultations with patients under 18. The research evaluated whether the collaborative model could reduce referrals to hospitals and private paediatricians while increasing GP confidence in managing child health conditions.
Under the SC4C program, paediatricians joined GPs during selected consultations—both in-person and via telehealth—to provide guidance on diagnosing and managing paediatric conditions. They also facilitated monthly case discussions and offered additional support outside consultations.
Professor Harriet Hiscock, lead author and paediatrician, said participating GPs reported improved skills and confidence.
"GPs valued the ability to manage cases themselves rather than automatically referring children to long waiting lists," she said.
"Our findings demonstrate that with the right support, GPs can operate at the top of their scope in child healthcare."
Professor Hiscock emphasised that embedding paediatricians in primary care teams requires both funding and structural support. She suggested potential models such as federal-state partnerships to fund salaried paediatricians for outreach work, along with PHNs helping practices implement multidisciplinary care models effectively.
Dr Tim Jones, RACGP Specific Interests Chair for Child and Young Person’s Health, described the model as having “tremendous potential” to strengthen GP-led care and reduce unnecessary referrals.
"Supporting GPs in child health reminds them of their core skills and empowers them to manage concerns that might otherwise be referred to specialists," Dr Jones said.
"Having a paediatrician present builds confidence and reassures GPs that their work is valued by both families and the broader healthcare system."
Families involved in the study reported greater trust in their GP-led care, while the study showed a sustained reduction in hospital referrals. The model was particularly effective for GPs who frequently referred patients, and in lower socioeconomic areas where access to paediatric specialists is limited.
Professor Hiscock and Dr Jones highlighted the need to expand the model to underserved areas. Pilot programs are underway in rural Victoria and NSW, regions with significant demand for paediatric support.
"Scaling this model to regions where families have limited access to private paediatric care would maximise its impact," Professor Hiscock said.
Both experts are members of the Government’s Thriving Kids MBS Implementation Group, advocating for national funding to support integrated GP–paediatrician care. Dr Jones noted that while PHNs have funded pilot programs effectively, long-term sustainability will require dedicated government support to allow GPs and paediatricians to work collaboratively at scale.
"The pilots demonstrate what’s possible, but funding mechanisms are needed to embed these models across the country," he said.
News Source: RACGP
