ABLE: assessment based learning

Over the past decade the Australian health care system has moved rapidly toward a greater emphasis on medical care being provided within the community. This trend can only continue as our population ages and levels of chronic and complex illness continue to rise. Primary care now includes: a higher proportion of general practitioners working in group practices supported by practice nurses and allied health professionals- both on site and in the community, increased patient presentations for chronic and complex disease - often compounded by mental health and social issues, and, more hospital in the home, early discharge and similar programmes enabling shared management of sicker patients in the community.