Tasmania Medicare Local acknowledges the financial and other support of …

Mark Broxton

… the Australian Government Department of Health

Coordinated care services make a difference

Coordinated care services are now reaching more people with chronic disease across Tasmania, with 1400 individuals receiving advice and support to help navigate the health system since January this year.
Tasmania Medicare Local has now funded 31 health organisations state-wide to deliver care coordination services on its behalf, almost doubling the number of providers operating these services six months ago.

These organisations include 19 general practices (some with multiple sites), five aged care facilities, four community services, and the Tasmanian Health Organisation – North West.

Director Clinical Services Mark Broxton said TML’s Care Coordination program aims to improve older people’s overall health and wellbeing by helping them better understand and access the health services they need.

“Our ageing population means we are seeing a growing demand to get timely assessment, treatment and support for people with chronic conditions,” he said.

“TML already directly employs eight care coordinators in the state’s north, north west and south with two more in the north in November.

“These coordinators receive referrals from a variety of sources including hospitals, other organisations not funded through the program, as well as provide outreach services to rural and remote areas.”

TML’s Care Coordination program is funded under the Australian Government’s Tasmanian Health Assistance Package.

It caters for people aged over 40 years old who have at least one of the following chronic conditions:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• diabetes
• cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• a neurodegenerative disorder (including Parkinson’s disease, dementia-related conditions, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis)
• Musculoskeletal (limited to lower back pain, osteoporosis and arthritis).

Mr Broxton said Care Coordinators helped people untangle the sometimes complicated and confusing mix of clinical and social support services they need to continue to live safely and comfortably in the community.

“They are qualified health professionals who have a wealth of knowledge about health and social services available locally,” he said.

Mr Broxton said the gradual expansion of care coordination services deliberately focused on communities which had not previously had such support in place.

He said service gaps identified in communities in Tasmania’s far west, along the east coast, Oatlands and the Tasman Peninsula would require ongoing development and collaboration between health services to make access to support more equitable.

“Importantly, we have already developed best practice guidelines for the provision of care coordination services to result in a more consistent approach across the state,” Mr Broxton said.

“There is also a strong focus on educating people to help manage their own conditions and to navigate a complex health system with greater confidence.”

Manager Care Coordination Lynette Purton said Tasmania Medicare Local’s care coordination program continued to work closely with general practice, aged care and community-based organisations.

“Our program team assists the person and carer to navigate through a very complicated health system, and understand the complexities of managing their own specific health care needs,” she said.

“A care coordinator works with the person, their GP and all other members of the health care team to help join the dots, making sure a care plan is implemented as well as fostering good communication and information-sharing.”

If health professionals would like to arrange additional assessment and support for clients with chronic disease, they can contact Manager Care Coordination Lynette Purton on 6425 8500.
Gill Cooper Acting Communications Manager www.tasmedicarelocal.com.au