Making sure health care continues to deliver

Pictured: Cherylynn Garner, Acting Manager of HealthPathways Melbourne.

In general terms, there is an understanding that services delivered through primary care are comparatively low-cost. This is especially for physical conditions that can be detected early through screening or mitigated via vaccination, or mental health challenges that can be identified and managed before developing into crisis. 

NWMPHN looks to expand and deepen community engagement across general practice, allied health, mental health and AOD, optimising opportunities to engage residents as early as possible. Keeping people out of emergency departments, hospitals or residential mental health or rehab facilities is not only better for the individual – it’s also better for the bottom line. 

Indeed, it is a central tenet of the quintuple aim that its principles are not mutually exclusive. It is surprising how often a plan to improve patient experience, or provider resources, aligns with cost savings. A key mechanism here is integration. 

By analysing adjacent ascending levels of mental health care service provision, for example, it is possible to identify duplicated functions. NWMPHN’s commitment to a “no wrong door” approach and the recommended use of the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool across the sector means time and money are saved because the patient does not need to endure repeated consultations. 

We recognise that we are funded – and in turn fund others – by courtesy of Australian taxpayers. This brings with it a responsibility for good governance, transparency and accountability. Sustainable cost-effectiveness is embedded in every project we co-design, and demonstrable fiscal prudence and planning are reportables demanded of every business or organisation we support.