Rapid Access to Community Care
Kelly McDonald, Mary Wheeldon
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Individuals requiring access to community-based health services are frequently referred to Metro North Health Emergency Departments by General Practitioners due to lack of:
– rapid referral processes for community health services
– knowledge of available community health services and referral pathways
Rapid response models have been proven across Australia and the UK to be effective in managing patients with acute care needs at home and preventing hospital presentations. Rapid Response Community Care (RACC) was established to enable direct referrals from General Practitioners and ambulance paramedics to established community health care services and eliminate hospital presentations for low acuity patients.
METHOD
A multidisciplinary Community Care Co-ordination Hub was launched to receive phone and electronic referrals. The 5 day a week service provides in-home comprehensive assessment within 1 business day of referral, followed with referral to optimal community care services. A GP engagement strategy was developed, and pathways expanded to include referrals from community service providers.
RESULTS
RACC commenced in October 2022 and has received 129 referrals with 93 referrals from 1 January to 14 March 2023 for falls, frailty, cognitive decline, functional decline, and suboptimal community supports. Referrals continue to increase significantly as service visibility increases. Patient, carer, and GP feedback demonstrates high levels of satisfaction associated with timely, collaborative, in-home care.
OUTCOMES / IMPLICATIONS
Rapid Access Community Care has proven to be effective in managing patients with acute care needs at home, preventing avoidable hospital presentations and connecting individuals to the most appropriate community-based services in a timely-manner.
Biography
Kelly McDonald is a Senior Occupational Therapist and Project Officer with the Innovation and Research Team, Community and Oral Health Metro North. Kelly has extensive frontline and leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams across acute, community and primary care settings.
Mary Wheeldon has been Director of Innovation and Research, Community and Oral Health Metro North for the past 5 years. This role works with multidisciplinary teams, focusing on health service innovation, models of care, clinical effectiveness and sustainability. Mary is Registered Nurse who has worked in multiple areas of the healthcare system.