Avoiding unplanned readmission into hospital is important. A significant proportion of hospital readmissions are avoidable and vulnerable groups, such as older people, are disproportionally affected by unplanned readmissions. Unplanned readmissions are associated with poorer health outcomes, lower satisfaction with healthcare, and increased health system costs.
The transition process between hospital and home is risky for the patient, however it is also a phase where patients may not necessarily need the intensity of a hospital bed, nor might patients actually want to remain in hospital especially if the same level of patient safety could be assured in the patient’s own home.
Tracey Johnson is the CEO of Inala Primary Care, a not-for-profit general practice located in Inala serving approximately 7000 patients; 4400 of whom attend clinic regularly. Inala is a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland and has a population of great cultural and linguistic diversity, with just under 40% of residents speaking English at home. It is also one of Queensland’s most socioeconomically marginalised urban areas.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Tracey on the role of Inala Primary care in reducing hospital admissions.
The delivery of care in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner across all levels of the healthcare system is seen as deficient. In an effort to improve healthcare access and equity, Inala Primary Care and the Mater Integrated Refugee Health Service (MIRHS) co-developed the Mater Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Healthcare Coordinator Service (MCHooSe).
Commonly delivered services included following up with external health services, chart reviews and helping patients coordinate external health care appointments. Surveys of primary care clinicians (GPs and practice nurses) revealed that MCHooSe improved patient access to external health services and improved patient understanding of their treatments.
The data also revealed that the primary care clinicians felt the patients’ wellbeing improved after their patients had access to the service and that patients were more likely to be compliant with attendance and treatments. Most importantly, primary care clinicians said they received communications from the hospital quicker if MCHooSe was involved.
In combination, these factors are known to reduce the risk of hospital readmissions. MCHooSe highlights the potential to improve hospital outcomes through better healthcare coordination and improved healthcare equity for multicultural patients.
Tracey also talks about the outcomes of non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice in a pilot running at Inala Primary Care. Prior health research has shown the integration of non-dispensing pharmacists in the general practice clinic has significantly reduced emergency department presentations and hospital readmissions in certain patient groups (long-term polypharmacy suffering from congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
As part of the pilot, pharmacists are working towards averting hospital readmissions, new hospital presentations and adverse health outcomes. Formal evaluation of the pilot is currently being completed by Brisbane South PHN and Griffith University.
-
1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage
The Australian Thyroid Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community. The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community.
Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.
-
From nurse, to roles in medtech marketing, championing women’s health
Aggie Cox is a senior healthcare marketing leader and women’s health advocate with over two decades of experience spanning clinical care, medical technology, and executive marketing leadership. She currently serves as Government Affairs & Marketing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Hologic, Inc., a global medical technology company dedicated to advancing women’s health through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
-
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Guidance and Calculator get long overdue update
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for significant morbidity and premature mortality in Australia. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2020 and cerebrovascular disease was the third most common cause of death.
As the first major update to Australian CVD risk assessment guidelines in over a decade, the 2023 Australian Guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk and associated Aus CVD Risk Calculator reflect the latest evidence on assessing, communicating, and managing CVD risk. Developed using Australian-specific data and the latest evidence, it supersedes the 2012 Guidelines for the management of absolute cardiovascular disease risk.
