Virtual technology a game-changer for regional and metro healthcare coordination
Senior Physiotherapist Annie Scanlon (left), Senior Occupational Therapist Sascha Wood, and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Leah Stevens at Broome Health Campus.
An innovative clinical supervision model is changing the way WA Country Health Service upskills allied health professionals in remote locations and enabling complex lymphoedema patients to receive care closer to home.
WA Country Health Service has partnered with the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) Occupational Therapy Department to implement the new model, which connects allied health clinicians in the Kimberley with an advanced practice lymphodema Occupational Therapist.
It follows the launch in November 2023 of a collaborative Quality Improvement project between WACHS and SCGH, formalising previous ad hoc case discussions for complex lymphoedema patients.
Clinicians based at Derby, Broome, and Kununurra have been dialling in, harnessing digital technology to strengthen relationships with clinicians at the tertiary cancer centre.
WA Country Health Service Cancer Services Allied Health Coordinator Kate Bancroft said results from a six-month evaluation showed excellent engagement and a high level of satisfaction from participants.
“This is a great example of a successful cross-health service provider initiative resulting in significant benefits for both patients and staff involved,” she said.
“Staff within the program report significantly increased confidence supporting country patients with complex care needs.”
Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where a build-up of lymph fluid in the body's soft tissues causes chronic swelling.
Ms Bancroft said the collaboration was resulting in smoother transitions and better outcomes for patients returning home.