Care coordination is the pinnacle of modern-day healthcare and something we should all be striving towards as a society. Empowering patients and their loved ones to be part of key healthcare decisions is important, and patient autonomy should be respected as much as possible. Rather than making a decision for a patient without consulting them or their previous doctors, care coordination is based on knowledge sharing and a patient-centric approach. By having patient information and medical history to hand, as well as insights from doctors and specialists, along with access to community services, a healthcare provider can consult a patient and together create a plan of action for their personal needs. For those in the healthcare industry, having the time and technology to spend more time with patients and helping them to become happier and healthier individuals is a calling.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the importance of patient-centric healthcare systems and how technology and in particular a care coordination platform will transform the healthcare system in Australia.
Australia’s Healthcare Industry
As a global leader in healthcare, Australia is no stranger to innovation but when it comes to providing long-term solutions or a more holistic approach to patient care, there is certainly room for improvement. Healthcare ranges from operations, pain management and medication, to treating mental health conditions and long-term illnesses. Yet, when a person requires help within the community or on a long-term basis, there is a clear breakdown in communication and support.
For patients with chronic illnesses or those suffering from mental health conditions, care mustn’t stop when a patient leaves the hospital. In fact, for many people with a long-term illness, their struggle will continue for the rest of their life and so it’s important for the healthcare industry to provide long-term and future-proof solutions and care based on a patient’s preferences. Care coordination can help enhance the way healthcare is provided and patient autonomy is respected. This can be achieved in two ways, either a broad approach incorporating traditional care management or using specific care activities to facilitate a more patient-first method.
Broad care coordination can involve;
- Teamwork
- Medication Management
- Health Information Technology
- Patient-centred medical home
Specific care coordination includes:
- Knowledge sharing and communication
- Support and help with transitions of care
- Assessing a patient’s needs and preferences
- Creating a proactive care plan
- On-going assessments and follow-up support
- Putting patients in touch with community resources
- Support patient’s self-management goals
As we are all unique, it makes sense to consider healthcare on a case by case basis rather than applying a blanket policy to all, but unfortunately, the healthcare industry in Australia still struggles to share information and patient details effectively among different care providers.
When patients aren’t able to voice their opinions in relation to their own treatments or long-term care, this is quite distressing, especially if they are mentally and physically able to do so. And when hospitals and healthcare facilities fail to communicate with each other there is no hope for consistency in care. So without the ability to easily send and receive patient information, care coordination is often replaced with care management.
Challenges Of Patient First Care
Like any healthcare industry, there are challenges that prevent Australia from advancing and investing more time into each patient. From funding limitations and the cost of chronic illnesses to problems with workforce supply and distribution, the idea of trying to share confidential patient information manually and across the country seems unrealistic.
Putting the wishes of a patient first and consulting family members and healthcare experts can take a considerable amount of time, money and paperwork. When you consider a patient who suffers from a disability and a mental health condition, this process can become even more complex, as each doctor and specialist must be consulted and their opinions taken into account.
Yet, this could significantly transform the way we care for vulnerable members of the community and allow patients to take ownership of their care. From choosing where they would like to live, the independence they would like to achieve, to the treatments they need and the community support available to them, giving people the chance to make critical decisions that can impact their quality of life, is surely a worthwhile investment. In fact, when we consider those struggling with mental health conditions, empowering them could actually help them on their road to recovery by giving them back their independence.
Next-Gen Care Coordination Software
Thanks to the development of technology, care coordination can be rolled out across the country and transform the way we look after vulnerable people in Australia.
DC2Vue is an innovative care coordination platform, that has been uniquely developed for hospitals and community care service providers in Australia. Helping doctors, nurses and care providers to communicate and collaborate, DC2Vue has a portfolio of care management solutions to drive quality, safety and efficiency of care delivery.
Here’s how DC2Vue’s platform and suite of products, can make care coordination in Australia a reality:
Problem: Time Management In Healthcare
Solution: This digital platform simplifies daily tasks and significantly reduce your daily workload as a care provider. As everything is online, you can adapt to changes in the healthcare system easily. Update client outcomes, record key patient information and access data in one place. You’ll also be able to collect, record, manage and track client budgets and case notes using any device. Time is money and since the healthcare system is already struggling financially, saving time will inevitably help bring down costs.
Problem: Scheduling & Shift Management
Solution: Scheduling can take up a large amount of your time, which could be better spent caring for your patients. Use technology to your advantage and schedule carers, update shifts and record holidays or days off on a digital and editable calendar. Respond to any changes on the go, making employee management in the healthcare industry easier than ever. This helps to make sure that people in your care will be properly cared for at all times and will have access to help and support throughout the day and night if required.
Problem: Collaboration and Communication Between Healthcare Professionals
Solution: To work together, everyone needs to have access to the relevant information so that they can work collaboratively and individually to provide consistent care. When it comes to referrals, a breakdown in communication can lead to a negative patient experience and poor care service. DC2Vue’s care coordination platform allows all involved in a patient’s care to access real-time client records from any device and at any time. Knowledge is power and having as much information about the person you’re caring for as possible will enable you to provide the best possible care and support.
Transforming the Australian healthcare industry with robust and responsive digital healthcare solutions, feel free to explore our solutions and products. The platform is also customisable and provides analytics and reports. To help medical professionals and care providers use the platform and provide a more digitally advanced service, there is a thorough customer onboarding process. If you’d like to know more about DC2Vue’s range of care coordination products and solutions, book a free discovery session with one of our experts today.
