Developing Integrated Services
There has been a growing emphasis in government policy on the integration of primary health care services. This is particularly evident in the recommendations of the Health and Hospital Reform Commission.
General practice is already the primary point of entry for most services, but its linkages with the other providers are weak and communication channels are either nonexistent or inadequate. Improving the connectivity of general practice with its network of health and community providers is the key to developing a more integrated system.
Doctors want a simpler system to negotiate, better communication with their partners and an enhanced teamwork environment. Practices are also considering avenues for improving the integration of their services as a means to securing their economic viability into the future.
How to develop Integrated Services?
Step 1: Develop partnerships by networking with other providers and gradually develop relationships on which a partnership can be established. This can take time to bear any results.
Step 2: Target your effort by focussing on an area that is a priority for both parties.
Step 3: Identify your champions who are committed to the cause and will support the initiative.
Step 4: Focus on the patient and what this initiative will mean to them and the health outcomes that are to be achieved.
Step 5: Develop a service model outlining the patient criteria, pathway of care, provider roles, funding arrangements, documentation processes and evaluation plan.
Step 6: Prepare your IT and information management systems that are required for coordinating care, templates, medical records and data collection.
Step 7: Build on existing general practice systems for care planning, case conferences, recall and managing results (outcomes)
Step 8: Implement a marketing strategy aimed at informing the target group of the initiative and also engaging the providers to be involved.
Step 9: Implement the integrated service model being prepared to make minor adjustments as needed.
Step 10: Conduct the evaluation and use the outcomes to further promote the initiatives to the target group and providers.
Further Tips for Integration.
1. Consider ‘virtual superclinic’ models where strong and efficient referral and communication channels are given priority of property development.
2. Keep up to date with the eHealth developments so that your practice can take advantage of new technologies that improve communication.
3. Focus on 1 or 2 priority areas and achieve your desired outcomes before trying to broaden the range of integrated services.
4. Establish nurse led systems for chronic disease management where the nurses manage the clinical pathways and referrals.
5. Enable allied health partners to have access to medical records so that all documentation is centralised.
6. Invite allied health providers and organisations to meet with your team and promote their services.
7. Think outside the square. Are there any sporting clubs in your area that can provide exercise options for patients?
8. Ensure your reception staff understand what you are trying to achieve and involve them in facilitating the process.
9. Celebrate small successes and build on them.
There is a misconception that integration is a matter of bringing together a collection of organisations and providers to work under the same roof. Effective integration however requires a clear vision, an understanding of each party’s objectives and leadership committed to working together for common goals; regardless of location.
