The Collaborative Program is a method of creating better ways to provide health care through shared learning, peer support, training, education and

 support systems and a team approach with GPs in a clinical leadership role.  It is based on the quality improvement principles of

Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles (PDSA cycles).  It uses rapid cycles of testing and measuring the effects of small change ideas to drive & build sustainable

improvements.

What’s happening in our Division?

Eighteen practices across Gippsland are participating across three waves of the Collaborative Program.

 Practices are asked to address three topics in the Collaborative program: Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes & Access.

A Collaborative Program Manager, Donna Bridges has been appointed to support participating practices. 

 Benefits from being involved in the Collaborative Program

• • Quality improvement within a supportive environment

• • Consistent and regular measurement for improvement

• • Opportunity to share and learn ideas with other practices

• • QA&CPD points

 Practice Commitment

• • An interest in improving their chronic disease management capacity

• • A reasonable level of electronic information management capacity

• • A Patient outcome focused practice culture

• • An identified leader within the practice who can provide dedicated/protected practice time

• • The capacity to engage and build an effective team, preferably including a Practice Nurse

• • An expectation that adopting the Collaborative approach can improve patient outcomes as well as practice efficiency and effectiveness

 Improvements to date for Gippsland

Participating practices have reported measurable improvements as a result of their participation in the program. 

Through changes to practices patient care systems, the program has enabled practices to achieve significant improvements, for example over the

3 waves in Gippsland:

• 115% increase in number of patients with a HbA1c < 7

• 150% increase in number of diabetic patients with total cholesterol of <4mmol/l

• 70% increase in number of diabetic patients with BP reading of <130/80mmHg

• 118% increase in the number of diabetes service incentive payments claimed

• 20% increase in the number of CHD patients who are on a Statin

• 17% increase in the number of CHD patients with BP reading of <140/80mmHg

If you would like to know more about the National Primary Care Collaborative Program visit www.apcc.com.au for a comprehensive overview and

contact Donna Bridges, Collaborative Program Manager 51262899, to see how your practice can benefit.

                  Wave 3 Gippsland participants engaging in team time activities.