Telehealth service enhances chronic condition management for Queensland residents

Queensland's Health Contact Centre (HCC) operates the Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (SMoCC) service aimed at improving health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. Currently, the service has the capacity to accept additional referrals. Read on to learn more about the free service for eligible patients.

Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (SMoCC) service overview

The SMoCC service, delivered by registered nurses, provides monthly phone consultations over 6 months to help patients manage their chronic conditions. The service is designed to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and improve overall health and is available at no cost to participants. Consultations are available after hours and on weekends, and translation services are provided to ensure accessibility for all patients.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the SMoCC service, participants must:

• be residents of Queensland
• be over 18 years old and capable of managing their chronic condition (with support if necessary)
• be under the care of a GP
• have access to a telephone.

Patients must also be diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

• Established Coronary Artery Disease (such as angina, heart attack, stent, bypass)
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Pre-diabetes
• COPD (chronic bronchitis or emphysema)

Referrals can be made by Public Hospital and Health Services (HHSs), GPs, or through self-referral, with third-party referrals preferred.

Referral process

Healthcare providers can refer patients to the SMoCC service using the online referral form on the Queensland Health website. Alternatively, paper-based referral forms can be downloaded, filled out, and sent via fax to (07) 3259 8534 or emailed directly to SMoCC@health.qld.gov.au.

Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria but have other chronic conditions will be directed to their GP, an alternative cardiac rehabilitation site via QCOR, or another appropriate health coaching program.

Contact information

For more information or to request printed brochures, healthcare providers can contact the SMoCC service by email at SMoCC@health.qld.gov.au. This email is monitored by clinical nurses from 8 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 8 am to 4:30 pm on Saturdays.

Additionally, healthcare professionals can contact the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) directly at 0482 421 690 for inquiries, while patients can reach the service at 13 43 25 84 (13 HEALTH).

The SMoCC service can also deliver in-service sessions via Teams upon request.

By increasing awareness and use of the SMoCC service, Queensland Health aims to provide essential support to patients managing chronic conditions, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and reducing the burden on hospital services.

Useful links

• Find patient factsheets and more information about the SMoCC on the Queensland Health website.
• Brisbane South HealthPathways offers guidance for the assessment, management and local referral pathways for chronic diseases management (CDM).