A perioperative model of care – new pathways in elective surgery For elective surgery, there are the dual challenges of older and sicker patients requiring surgery and resource limitations. To continue to deliver high quality care to these patients requires significant changes to heath care delivery. Prof. Ludbrook and his team propose that a new Model of Care is required, based around robust processes of patient triage and streaming to the care pathways best matched to patients’ individual needs. This Model is based around (i) call centre-based computer-assisted self-assessment, (ii) centralized collection and (iii) assimilation of patient data, and referral to centres with capacity (staff, services and infrastructure) best meeting a patient’s needs. The group has shown that self-assessment, using non-clinical staff and remote communication (phone/internet), to provide health summaries are of comparable quality to data collected through traditional outpatient attendances. Computer algorithmns are starting to generate evidence- and consensus-based decision support tools to guide clinical decision making. This project will continue to collect data through studies involving hospitals and clinical trials of the Model are proposed for 2012.
Research Projects
A perioperative model of care – new pathways in elective surgery
Key References
Ludbrook GL, Maddern GJ. Doctor displacement: a political agenda or a health care imperative? Med J Aust. 2009 190(7):396-7
Grant C, Ludbrook G, Hampson EA, Semenov R, Willis R. Adverse physiological events under anaesthesia and sedation: a pilot audit of electronic patient records. Anaesth Intensive Care 2008 36(2):222-9.
