Reimagining primary care

"The resources are changing, and practices don’t really know how best to utilise what they’ve got."

Dr Mel Smith, Associate Professor in Operations Management

Dr Mel Smith Associate Professor in Operations Management

Transforming healthcare delivery

My research addresses a significant question in modern healthcare: how can GP practices effectively harness new allied health professionals? These professionals can include physiotherapists, paramedics, pharmacists, physician associates and nurse practitioners. My work looks at developing systematic approaches to move beyond traditional models where all patients see a GP first.

It's like moving from craft production to mass production: from the GP who can turn their hand to anything, to understanding how best to utilise specialised skills. This research creates frameworks for getting patients directly to the most appropriate professional for their needs, as quickly and reliably as possible, reducing bottlenecks and improving efficiency.

Evidence-based solutions

Taking a comprehensive approach means I can examine not only process improvements, but also their impact on patient experience, staff satisfaction and practice effectiveness. My research identifies successful models already emerging in practices under less pressure, where new professionals effectively handle routine clinics and specialised services.

By understanding potential challenges early, such as supervision requirements and staff adaptation, we can help practices address them proactively rather than react after they arise.

Creating lasting impact

The research has produced practical best practice guidelines that can be tailored to different types of practice, showing how to allocate patients effectively based on available staff expertise. These evidence-based recommendations help practices maximise their investment in new healthcare professionals while maintaining high-quality care.

Beyond immediate operational improvements, this work is contributing to a more sustainable future for primary care. My research provides a framework for making expanded healthcare teams successful, helping practices meet growing demand while supporting both patient outcomes and staff wellbeing. This systematic approach shows how operational improvements can support better health outcomes for communities.