What is HealthOne NSW?
HealthOne NSW Model of Care
HealthOne NSW aims to create a stronger and more efficient primary health care system by bringing Commonwealth-funded general practice and state-funded primary and community health care services together. Other health and social care providers may also be involved in the HealthOne NSW model, for example pharmacists, public dental services, private allied health professionals, other government agencies and non-government organisations.
The key features of HealthOne NSW services that distinguish them from other primary and community health services are:
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Integrated care provided by general practice and community health services
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Organised multidisciplinary team care
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Care across a spectrum of needs from prevention to continuing care
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Client and community involvement
Together these core components make up the HealthOne NSW Model of Care.
The range of primary health care services provided by a HealthOne NSW service is determined at an early stage in the planning and development of the service, in consultation with clients and the local community.
The health professionals involved in HealthOne NSW work together in multidisciplinary teams to provide prevention, early intervention and continuing, comprehensive primary health care to individuals and communities.
Clients, their carers and local communities are central to the model. Clients and carers are expected to be involved in decision-making about their care. Community members are also expected to be involved in planning services to meet their needs.
HealthOne NSW Service Configuration Models
Three broad service configurations have been identified for HealthOne NSW services. These are not mutually exclusive and some locations may use two configurations, for example hub and spoke and virtual, or co-located and hub and spoke.
1. Co-located services
Co-location involves general practice, community health and other services physically located together or in close proximity to each other. Although co-location does not necessarily lead to integration, the proximity of service providers enhances opportunities for informal and formal communication, collaboration and the coordination of care for clients.
Co-located services need to plan for the levels of service integration required for client groups who include people with relatively simple needs through to those with complex conditions who require the involvement of multiple health professionals.
2. Hub and spoke
3. Virtually integrated services
In the virtual model, a number of separately located providers function as a team through electronic and other forms of communication. Members of a virtual HealthOne NSW may rarely meet face to face.
The virtual HealthOne NSW service model may be more appropriate for the coordination of services to clients whose care requires the involvement of fewer health professionals. While the provision of fully integrated services is possible in a virtual model, significant planning is required to ensure governance structures and communication technologies support clinical care and workforce requirements.
Implementation Strategies
The implementation stategies identified below contribute individually and collectively to the successful establishment of HealthOne NSW services and the delivery of care:
