Delivering seamless care in Central Queensland
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services is on a mission to continually improve the healthcare experience for residents in their geographically and socially diverse community. CQ Health’s strategic plan – Destination 2030: Great Care for Central Queenslanders – has a vision for seamless digital information in service delivery, allowing access anywhere, any time to improve clinical care.
Who was involved?
In consultation with partners from CQ, led by Dr Eric Miller (MD) and Kelsie West (Service Transformation and Improvement Officer), Professor Evonne Miller (co-Director of HEAL) led this project with Professor Lisa Scharoun, supported by Anna Wesselman from CEQ.
What was the process?
Alongside multiple online strategic planning sessions, Evonne and Anna spent three days in Rockhampton in April 2021, engaging with local stakeholders – clinicians, GPs, allied health and consumers – to identify the best path forward in terms of delivering seamless care across CQ.
As well as multiple conversations, in a four hour workshop, stakeholders explored the viability, appeal, barriers, opportunities and best paths forward for three potential technology enabled solutions – automated, real-time decision support better connecting GPs to specialists, the potential of at-home monitoring technology for consumers with chronic illnesses, and telehealth fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to care. Developing a truly integrated care service for CQ is no easy task, but being open to new and innovative care models means CQ is on track to leverage technological innovations to radically improve the patient experience.
What was the outcome?
HEAL researchers are continuing to work with CQ, co-designing engagement, educational and implementation strategies designed to improve the digital literacy and confidence of staff and consumers, providing seamless, connected care.
