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.