The ACI recognises the challenges our community is experiencing at this time. We acknowledge the hard work of clinicians and health managers across the health system in responding to COVID-19 and lockdown measures in NSW.
The ACI is supporting this response by:
- leading 12 COVID-19 communities of practice and producing related clinical information
- deploying staff to work in roles supporting the system response, and in vaccination centres
- supporting local health districts with their clinical guidance related to COVID-19
- working on the adoption and implementation of virtual care
- providing resources to support the NSW Health Critical Intelligence Unit to provide rapid, evidence-based advice to key decision makers and the health system
- supporting the many other activities taking place in our networks, taskforces and initiatives.
Importantly, our streams and clinical networks are regularly reviewing their priorities and making changes depending on the availability of resources, the ability of clinicians and local health districts / specialty health networks to progress initiatives, and to ensure our work is meeting the needs of the people and organisations that we partner with.
We express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports the work of the ACI and the NSW Health system, as we come together to navigate this period. While many of our clinical networks are supporting the COVID-19 response, below are updates on the people involved and progress from some of the ACI’s clinical networks and institutes.
The Cardiac Network is developing four electrocardiogram (ECG) modules to support the recording and interpretation of ECGs. A working group was established, involving subject matter experts, experienced educators and trainers, to ensure the resources align with adult educational principles and staff needs.
Two of the modules are now available on My Health Learning for NSW Health staff, while work is progressing on the third and fourth module:
- Module 1 Electrocardiogram (ECG) fundamentals (course code 339664570)
- Module 2 Basic understanding of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and rhythm interpretation (course code 359181145)
The ECG educational modules:
- offer on-demand, synchronised learning
- facilitate a universal approach and minimum standard of care across NSW Health
- help clinicians enhance their skills.
The modules are for staff working across services such as:
- emergency departments
- intensive care units
- coronary care units
- high acuity areas (including theatres and recovery)
- close observation units
- cardiac and medical wards
- stroke units
- areas where ECG interpretation is required as a core skill.
Our sincere thanks to the working party who have dedicated their time and expertise to develop these resources during a very challenging year.
The ACI Nutrition Standards
The ACI Nutrition Standards review project has progressed. This has involved consultation with 127 key stakeholders, including clinicians, consumers, food service providers and industry partners who supply products for hospital menus.
Feedback has confirmed the standards are used by those involved in the design of NSW Health facility menus, and they help ensure food provided to inpatients is nutritious and of high quality.
Comments received during consultation will help identify areas in the standards that need updating – content update, removal and new topic suggestions were received.
The project’s next phase is to draft the revised standards and circulate it for targeted consultation in early 2022.
NSW Health Nutrition and Food Strategic Steering Group
The NSW Health Nutrition and Food Strategic Steering Group (SSG) is the peak multi-agency, governance group for nutrition in NSW. It is led by co-chairs Carmen Rechbauer, Chief Executive of HealthShare NSW and Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque, Chief Executive of the ACI. The ACI Nutrition Network is the secretariat of the group.
The SSG is demonstrating success by promoting a collaborative approach to system focused nutrition, and food initiatives that benefit patients accessing NSW Health facilities. Focus areas for SSG initiatives include:
- innovative and patient-centred food service delivery models
- efficiency initiatives to manage food procurement and supply
- providing safe, good quality and nutritious food to inpatients
- strategies to manage food related clinical risks, in particular food allergy.
Working together helps:
- balance clinical needs with consideration to service providers' operational needs
- provide good food which meets the therapeutic needs of inpatients.
Learn more and contact the Nutrition Network.
A new ACI General Practice Advisory Group (GPAG) has been appointed. The four new GPs to join the GPAG this month are:
- Dr Penny Abbott
- Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura
- Dr Jaimie Navalli
- Dr Michael Wright.
The ACI is committed to partnering with the primary healthcare sector and general practice to better integrate care and strengthen the voice of primary care across our networks. The GPAG plays a key role in this by:
- applying a primary care lens to projects and initiatives across the ACI
- providing strategic advice on emerging issues and opportunities to support integration of healthcare
- providing clinical advice on day-to-day practice, processes and impacts.
Thank you to the GPs retiring from the GPAG for their dedicated service and significant contributions over many years:
- Dr Paul Collett
- Dr Nathan Lum
- Dr Elizabeth Marles
- Dr Diana O’Halloran
- Dr Eloise Warren.
Learn more and contact the Primary Healthcare Institute.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation virtual education sessions started in August. The current sessions have been focused on working with Aboriginal people and families in the NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs.
Rick Shipp, an Aboriginal Team Leader from the Southern NSW Local Health District and Jenni Johnson, Associate Director, Trauma Pain and Rehabilitation, presented the My rehab, my journey – Gadjigadji project to clinicians. A follow-up workshop was held in September to work through the project’s service audit tool. A final session explored engagement with local Aboriginal people around the NSW mid north coast providing examples of successful ways of working.
Feedback has been positive, with clinicians reporting a greater understanding and importance of yarning when interacting with Aboriginal people using brain injury rehabilitation services.
More about the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Network
A new module has been added to the Electrocardiogram (ECG) training modules, available on My Health Learning. Module 3 focuses on Commonly Occurring Complex Rhythms and 12 Lead ECG Abnormalities (course code 387120796).
A fourth training module is also in development. Each module in the series supports clinicians develop skills where ECG interpretation is a core skill.
More information on the series is available in the August issue of Clinician Connect.
More about the Cardiac Network
Keep up to date on the latest activities across our networks, and get involved in key projects that help drive improvements in healthcare.