Support for residential aged care

Brisbane North PHN is currently undertaking a project to enhance access to out of hours care for consumers in aged care facilities in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region. A range of strategies are being employed to ensure this project results in building awareness and utilization of after-hours services. The intended aim of the project is to improve consumer care and reduce unnecessary hospital presentations.

A range of strategies are being developed and will be used as part of this project including to:

• compile an up-to-date list of after-hour service options in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region
• develop a checklist tool to assist aged care facilities to assess their existing after-hours plans
• provide guidance and support to assist aged care facilities to develop/update and implement their after-hours action plans
• promote educational opportunities for staff in residential aged care facilities to build capacity in utilizing after-hours action plans and associated resources
• encourage facilities to implement procedures to update consumer digital health records
• promote engagement between facilities, the general practitioner team and allied health professionals in relation to after-hours care.

After-hours action plan self-assessment checklist

Brisbane North PHN has developed an after-hours action plan self-assessment checklist with feedback from residential aged care facilities in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region. Facilities are encouraged to conduct an assessment of their current after-hours care arrangements in relation to responding to clinical deterioration.

The key elements of an after-hours action plan should include consideration of:

• clinical governance
• workforce
• infrastructure
• systems

Results of this review should be used to guide the development or revision of an after-hours action plan.

After-hours action plan template

Brisbane North PHN has developed an after-hours action plan template than can be used in conjunction with the self-assessment checklist to develop or update an after-hours action plan. Facilities are encouraged to use this resource as a starting point when developing or revising their plan and customise it to suit the needs of their organisation.

After hours services in North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region

Brisbane North PHN has developed a resource for residential aged care staff to support awareness of available local after-hours services. This resource should be used in conjunction with each facility’s After-Hours Action Plan.

Using appropriate after-hours services can:

• support residential aged care staff with advice and medical guidance
• provide best practice care for consumers
• reduce unnecessary hospital presentations
• promote early identification and clinical assessment of health deterioration.