Seeking GPs to be involved in co-design process for new Logan Hospital outpatient department ‘Alternate Care Pathway’ shared care model
Shared care arrangements between GPs, hospital-based clinicians and patients and carers have the potential to improve communication, coordination, and efficiency at the primary-secondary care interface.[1]
Stakeholders from both primary and tertiary care attending the recent MSH OPD Think Tank workshops identified the development of shared care models as a regional priority to strengthen primary care partnerships and improve patient outcomes.
A new Logan Hospital outpatient department (OPD) ‘Alternate Care Pathway’ shared care model for the region
Brisbane South PHN is supporting Metro South Health in the co-design of a new shared care model focused on improving outcomes for patients who are unable to access surgical care due to obesity (BMI > 40).
The Logan Hospital OPD ‘Alternate Care Pathway’ Nurse Navigator service identifies patients referred to orthopaedic outpatient clinics for consideration of knee replacement surgery, but who are not ready for care due to their obesity-related surgery risk.
The Nurse Navigators support these patients by linking them to community-based weight-loss and lifestyle modification services to help facilitate rapid access to orthopaedic care once a safe body weight has been achieved.
The aim of this shared care model is to better support these patient cohorts in primary care settings by enhancing care coordination and communication between GPs and hospital-based clinicians to:
- aid the early identification of eligible patients to reduce time spent waiting for care
- streamline access to support services that improve patient readiness for care.
- empower patients to maintain a healthier lifestyle and improve their self-care and wellbeing.
Join our co-design efforts in September 2024
We are seeking local GPs with an interest in orthopaedic care. We want to hear more about the challenges and needs in this area of general practice. Your insights will inform the development of the new orthopaedic OPD ‘Alternate Care Pathway’ shared care model.
The co-design process is expected to start in October 2024. It will involve attendance at two 90-minute workshops, scheduled at times and locations that support GP attendance (i.e., face-to-face or virtual, possible evening sessions, with catering made available).
GPs will be remunerated for their involvement.
Contact information
If you would like to be involved or would like further information, please contact Jeremy Lindsay, Principal Clinical Projects Lead, Metro South Health Clinical Improvement Unit at jeremy.lindsay@health.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3176 9263.
References
- Winpenny, E.M., Miani, C., Pitchforth, E., King, S., Roland, M., Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of outpatient services: a scoping review of interventions at the primary-secondary care interface. Journey of Health Service Research & Policy, 2017, 22(1), 53-64. DOI: 10.1177/1355819616648982.