The appointment system is an operational mechanism for clinics to rationalise resources while ensuring patients are seen at appropriate times. Some have suggested demand and over-utilisation of doctors can be managed by raising medical fees. While others have advocated for an increase in resources (workforce capacity) to address existing and emerging demands.

Discuss these two proposals in light of the below models (if you can), such as, Block appointments model, Individual appointments model, Mixed block - individual appointments model, Capacity allocations in a Community based chronic care model, Innovation and best practices in healthcare scheduling etc and from your own experience.

Will implementation of either of these models lead to timely access and allow for preferred doctors to be seen? If not, what are the limitations of these models and what would be an appropriate capacity allocation model to manage current issues with primary care access in the Australian Healthcare context?

Discuss the theories around capacity planning and resource allocation while considering the importance of equity and access based on clinical need.