Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) covers 23 local government areas, equalling 246,676 square kilometres (31% of NSW). Alcohol attributed presentations to the emergency department (ED) and alcohol attributed deaths are considerably higher per 100,000 in WNSWLHD when compared to average state levels. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) services are not easily accessible or available in rural and remote sites, with the services that are available, only operational during business hours.
Current data shows that most presentations for AOD concerns in the northern sector occur after hours between the hours of 6pm and 3am, meaning services are not available to support consumers or staff at remote locations during this time. This results in varied admission rates in EDs across the northern sector, with 22% of consumers presenting requiring an admission. The current length of stay for consumers presenting with AOD concerns in the northern sector is currently 1.4 days. This is a significant burden, as Multipurpose Services (MPS) sites have minimal beds. There is currently no clear pathway for how to access AOD treatment services, and there is limited knowledge of what services are available in the community for consumers to be referred to.
Improving access to treatment through a clear pathway
This project will provide facilities within the norther sector of WNSLHD after hour’s consultation for consumers presenting to ED and will improve access to AOD treatment through a clear pathway. The aim is to enhance carer, consumer and staff satisfaction in this area. The following solutions were identified in consultation with staff, consumers and carers and will be developed and implemented in 2024:
- Extend hours of Virtual Drug & Alcohol Service that will provide immediate support for ED staff working in MPS’s for withdrawal management, assessment care coordination of consumers presenting with AOD.
- A model of care (MOC) that includes in-hospital and community care, with support accessed through peer workers.
- An AOD virtual pathway to inform and enhance access for carers, consumers and staff.
- Enhance consumer AOD resources for easier access.
The project will be piloted initially in Bourke and Brewarrina to test for scalability, before being implemented across the northern sector of WNSLHD. An initial evaluation of the pilot will be undertaken in June 2024. The MOC will be evaluated after the pilot with the view of being implemented across the northern sector. The evaluations will measure the effectiveness of the service for staff and consumers.
View this project's poster from the Centre for Healthcare Redesign graduation December 2023.
