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and improvement project
Innovation Exchange Projects by Type
Clinical Leadership Program
The value of investing in clinical leadership programs is recognised at a statewide, national and international level. Strategies for sustainable patient safety and system improvement are dependent on strong clinical leadership. A central premise of Clinical Excellence Commission's (CEC) Clinical Leadership Program (CLP) is that leadership occurs at all levels in health care and is not dependent on the position to which a person is appointed.
In this, the CLP supports clinical leaders in the workplace to develop outstanding leadership skills through the Foundational and Executive Clinical Leadership Programs.
The projects in this collection have all participated in the CEC's Clinical Leadership Program.
Microbiology Extension of Services
The Department of Microbiology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital reconfigured its staff rosters, to better manage peaks and troughs in specimen processing. This optimised staff workflow and enhanced the delivery of services to the local health district.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Added: 27 April 2018|Last updated: 8 November 2021
Implementation of the HOTV Vision Chart in the Northern NSW Local Health District Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening Program
This project delivered education and resources on HOTV vision charts to all staff in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) who deliver the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) Program.
Northern NSW Local Health District
Added: 8 September 2017|Last updated: 8 November 2021
Identifying the Right Carer or Person to Contact for Patients at Blacktown Hospital
Blacktown Hospital educated administration staff on the importance of maintaining accurate contact details in patient records. It also displayed signage in the emergency department to remind families and carers to include their contact details on the patient’s admission form.
Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (Blacktown Campus)
Added: 14 March 2017|Last updated: 2 June 2021
Quit and Smile
SESLHD trained dental professionals to help clients quit smoking and implemented a number of solutions to increase accountability and knowledge in this area.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Added: 27 October 2017|Last updated: 27 May 2021
Me, Myself and My Tribunal
The Forensic Hospital developed a tool to help patients prepare for their Mental Health Review Tribunal, held every six months. This tool was designed to increase the satisfaction of patients with their level of engagement in Tribunals.
Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
Added: 23 March 2017|Last updated: 27 May 2021
Improving the Patient Journey for Mothers having an Elective Caesarean
Nepean Hospital established an Obstetric Pre-anaesthetic Assessment Clinic for high-risk obstetric patients and those undergoing an elective caesarean section. Anaesthetists at the clinic assess the patient and explain anaesthetic procedures in a way that allows patients to give informed consent.
Nepean Hospital
Added: 11 July 2018|Last updated: 27 May 2021
Identifying and Managing Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia
MLHD identified an alternative option for iron replacement therapy and developed guidelines to deliver it in the community setting where clinically indicated, in collaboration with patients and carers.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District
Added: 16 August 2017|Last updated: 27 May 2021
Youth Health Risk Assessments at Northern Sydney Sexual Health Service
Northern Sydney Local Health District
Added: 18 September 2017|Last updated: 21 May 2021
Proactive Escalation Planning to Resolve Demand
Belmont Hospital introduced a 24-hour escalation plan and daily emergency report, to help emergency department staff manage periods of high demand, without reducing the quality or timeliness of patient care.
Belmont Hospital
Added: 19 May 2017|Last updated: 19 May 2021
Improved Comprehensive Service for Adolescents who Re-present to the Emergency Department
This project has two objectives. Firstly, it is designed to improve the mental health service for adolescents who present to Lismore Base Hospital’s emergency department. Secondly, it is designed to provide a more streamlined and comprehensive after care service in order to prevent re-presentations to the ED.
Lismore Base Hospital
Added: 22 April 2020|Last updated: 14 May 2021
Addressing modifiable risk factors after mild stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Patients are often discharged without a care plan from the acute stroke unit following a non-disabling stroke or transient ischaemic attack. To address this issue, communication materials were developed alongside other initiatives, to support an increased incidence of exercise.
St George Hospital
Added: 16 September 2019|Last updated: 13 May 2021
Beating Domestic Violence
This project has been designed to improve the response that people who experiencing domestic violence receive when they access services from Lismore Base Hospital. It is multifaceted and includes improving the resources and training available to emergency department staff and developing a discreet domestic violence information resource for clients.
Lismore Base Hospital
Added: 15 April 2021|Last updated: 30 April 2021
Microscope Camera as a Tool in Digital Morphology
The project used a microscope camera to reduce the turnaround time of morphology results reporting for critical patients presenting afterhours to the emergency department.
Shoalhaven HospitalNSW Pathology
Added: 12 April 2021|Last updated: 29 April 2021
Winter, Spring, Summer and Falls in NSW Ambulance
NSW Ambulance introduced a falls package to address the year-round problem of falls in people aged 65 and over in the community. It incorporated a new falls risk assessment, protocol, clinical pathway and screening tool for paramedics, as well as education materials for consumers and general practitioners.
NSW Ambulance
Added: 2 May 2018|Last updated: 22 April 2021
The Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network’s Got Talent
The JH&FMHN is developing a talent management strategy to improve the access, allocation and appropriateness of learning opportunities for its staff.
Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
Added: 10 February 2017|Last updated: 22 April 2021
Multiagency Coordination of Prenatal Risk
Central Coast Local Health District established regular meetings with the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and all health services involved in the care of pregnant women, in cases where there were child protection concerns.
Central Coast Local Health District
Added: 2 May 2018|Last updated: 21 April 2021
Healthy Lifestyles Project for newly arrived young people
This project addressed two significant gaps in service provision for newly arrived young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds: prevention of rapid weight gain during the settlement and post arrival period; intervention for weight issues for those arriving overweight or obese.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Added: 4 March 2020|Last updated: 20 April 2021
Don’t fall for it, follow the steps!
Post falls assessments are attended by nurses after patients have a fall in the St George Hospital emergency department.
St George Hospital
Added: 16 September 2019|Last updated: 20 April 2021
Diverting the Stream
Macksville Hospital developed a 24-month New Graduate Program for nursing staff that involved a 12-week intensive induction period, with clinical exposure and support over the course of the program.
Macksville District Hospital
Added: 13 March 2017|Last updated: 20 April 2021
Breaking the drought: rural management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema
This six-month joint project implemented a lymphoedema screening clinic, providing comprehensive treatment for lymphoedema in the Lachlan Health Service. It involved a cross discipline collaboration for patients following breast cancer surgery.
Western NSW Local Health District
Added: 12 August 2019|Last updated: 20 April 2021
Making the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale Work For Us
This project added an additional multidisciplinary team meeting to the Older Persons Mental Health Team schedule each week and adjusted the meeting agenda, to allow more time for mental health care reviews.
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service
Added: 30 April 2018|Last updated: 8 April 2021
Implementation of Advanced Radiotherapy Technology to Improve Clinical Outcomes in Rural NSW
After the successful implementation of quality improvement projects, the technology utilisation rate (intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy) rose to over 70% in 2020, compared to below 22% in 2017 and stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy treatment is now available at Central West Cancer Care Centre, Orange.
Orange Health Service
Added: 1 March 2021|Last updated: 15 March 2021
Right Patient Right Bed
Right Patient Right Bed examined ways to minimise clinical risk where there are delays in transferring patients from Kempsey District Hospital to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
Kempsey District Hospital
Added: 20 August 2020|Last updated: 3 September 2020
Optimising Screening and Isolation for Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales
Screening for carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales (CPE) and isolation in single rooms while awaiting test results is recommended for hospitalised patients who are at risk of CPE carriage. However, single rooms are limited in hospitals and isolation can adversely impact on patients. This project studied the effect of a rapid CPE test on reducing the time that patients are unnecessarily placed in isolation pending screening results....
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Added: 18 August 2020|Last updated: 3 September 2020
Improving pre-hospital major trauma clinical performance
This project aims to identify reasons for the secondary retrieval and address areas where improvements to paramedic management may be made.
NSW Ambulance
Added: 24 March 2020|Last updated: 20 April 2020
Falls prevention in Gunyah, a neurology and oncology ward in Sutherland Hospital
This project is designed to improve falls prevention in a medical ward in an acute care facility. It identifies the causes of inpatient falls to provide strategies in response.
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service
Added: 17 September 2019|Last updated: 1 October 2019
Improving management of dental trauma in the emergency department
This project will provide a structured clinical and oral health referral pathway in the emergency department of Sutherland Hospital, for the first aid management of dental trauma.
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service
Added: 10 September 2019|Last updated: 25 September 2019
Sutherland Clinical Assessment and Nursing Documentation (SCAND) project
This project aims to improve the inconsistency of nursing documentation across Sutherland Hospital, focusing on the importance of clinical assessment in nursing. This goal is to consistently communicate nurse findings and actions through documentation in a patient’s healthcare record.
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service
Added: 16 July 2019|Last updated: 31 July 2019
FIB4NOF (Fascia Iliaca Block for Patients with Neck of Femur Fracture) at Nepean Hospital
This project is designed to promote the use of fascia iliaca block as a method of analgesia for patients who present to Nepean Hospital with a neck of femur fracture, as recommended by the ACI guidelines.
Nepean Hospital
Added: 28 June 2019|Last updated: 15 July 2019
tOTal Improvement
tOTal Improvement is designed to improve communication within the multidisciplinary team at Morisset Hospital and to better direct consumers’ support needs within the clinical rehabilitation program.
Morisset Hospital
Added: 17 April 2019|Last updated: 7 May 2019
Nurse - Patient Clinical Handover Engagement Huddle
An auditing process at Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital revealed that patients are not as involved as they could be during the routine bedside handover processes that occur between nursing shifts. A project was established to address this, and in doing so, improve the safety and satisfaction of the patient.
Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
Added: 5 April 2019|Last updated: 22 April 2019
Food for Thought
This project implements a clinical pathway for referral and treatment that includes screening, triage, and assessment; and provides adults referred to Richmond Adult Community Mental Health Service with cognitive behavioural therapy – enhanced. This is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy specifically for eating disorders.
Northern NSW Local Health District
Added: 29 March 2019|Last updated: 12 April 2019
Clinical Patient Flow Rounds
This program evaluates and re-invents St Vincent's Hospital’s weekly rapid discharge rounds model. This is carried out by introducing ward-level clinical leads and creating better documentation around discharge plans. The goal is to improve safe and timely patient discharges.
St Vincent's Hospital
Added: 29 March 2019|Last updated: 12 April 2019
Preventative model of care at the Moruya dental clinic
This project explored how demand for dental services can be met and sustained over time, with a focus on preventative care.
Southern NSW Local Health District
Added: 15 February 2019|Last updated: 28 February 2019
REACH Out
REACH Out is an independent patient and family activated response system for small sites. The REACH response is provided by on off-site patient flow team via Telehealth.
Nyngan Multipurpose Service
Added: 15 November 2018|Last updated: 30 November 2018
Shared Clinical Review Across Four Rural Health Services
A project to implement a shared mortality and morbidity clinical review process across four small rural health services in northeast Victoria. The project includes development of standardised tools and the formation of a collaborative clinical review forum to help address the common risks experienced by patients in care at small rural health services in the region.
Albury Wodonga Health
Added: 26 September 2018|Last updated: 6 November 2018
What a Difference a Date Will Make
Various services in the local area were concerned about the increase in young adolescents presenting in crisis, with either potential self-harm or harm to others. Police and ambulance workers were often required to intervene, and emergency department beds used. This project aims to reduce the waitlist time for a multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment for older school age and adolescent children, by 25% by March 2018....
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Added: 26 September 2018|Last updated: 11 October 2018
Clinical History on Emergency X-Ray Referrals
Incomplete clinical history information on emergency x-ray referrals can lead to insufficient imaging, missed pathologies, longer time spent in emergency and higher radiation doses. This project aims to ensure that a concise clinical history is included on every emergency x-ray referral at the Cowra Health Service. This will enable accurate imaging and diagnostic reporting and lead to the best possible outcome for patients....
Western NSW Local Health District
Added: 17 September 2018|Last updated: 1 October 2018
Home-Based Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
Liverpool Hospital is implementing a home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy program for patients with impaired immune systems.
Liverpool Hospital
Added: 28 May 2018|Last updated: 21 June 2018
The Asthma Follow Up Integrated Care Initiative
Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick developed an integrated model of care for children with non-complex asthma, including care coordination, communication with general practitioners, parent education and emergency department resources and processes.
Sydney Children's Hospital Network
Added: 28 May 2018|Last updated: 12 June 2018
Reducing the Time Frame to Complete the Electronic Donor Record
This project developed a number of tools and guides to help staff collect data and enter it into the electronic donor record more efficiently.
NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service
Added: 8 May 2018|Last updated: 23 May 2018
Saved by the Phone: Enhancing the Pre-admission Process
Staff at Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital implemented a standardised phone screening tool with fasting instructions, to prepare patients for their surgical procedure.
Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital
Added: 2 May 2018|Last updated: 16 May 2018
Improving Provision of Skin-to-Skin Care in Preterm Neonates
John Hunter Children’s Hospital developed a step-by-step guide to encourage the delivery of Kangaroo Care to premature babies, and provided education to staff and parents on the topic.
John Hunter Children's Hospital
Added: 2 May 2018|Last updated: 16 May 2018
Improving Collaborative Discharge Care Planning for Stroke Patients
St George Hospital developed an Allied Health Discharge Care Plan, established an allied health care coordinator role and implemented new administration processes, to support the transition of stroke patients out of hospital and into the community.
St George Hospital
Added: 27 April 2018|Last updated: 14 May 2018
Improving Blood Glucose Level Control Before Surgery
Prince of Wales Hospital screened all patients booked for elective cardiac surgery, to diagnose diabetes and identify those requiring blood glucose level control before admission.
Prince of Wales Hospital
Added: 26 April 2018|Last updated: 10 May 2018
Complex Care Coordination in NSW Emergency Departments
Royal North Shore Hospital is developing a clinical pathway for people who frequently present to hospital emergency departments with chronic pain and complex conditions, which will be rolled out across the state following evaluation of the pilot program.
Royal North Shore Hospital
Added: 23 April 2018|Last updated: 8 May 2018
Increasing Blood-Borne Virus Screening in the Community Setting
St George Drug and Alcohol Service established a clear process for blood-borne virus screening, by delivering training to staff and embedding the test into the initial assessment of new clients.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Added: 15 February 2018|Last updated: 2 March 2018
Appropriate Distribution and Just Utilisation of Supplies Techniques (ADJUST)
Prince of Wales Hospital implemented a cost-saving strategy in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit, incorporating ordering and procurement practices, storage management and intra-hospital stock rotation.
Prince of Wales Hospital
Added: 15 February 2018|Last updated: 1 March 2018
Detecting Delirium in the Emergency Department
Belmont District Hospital implemented an education package for nursing staff, to improve the use of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) screening tool in the emergency department (ED). The CAM tool is an affordable and easy way to dramatically improve the outcomes of patients presenting to the ED with delirium.
Added: 14 February 2018|Last updated: 1 March 2018
The Patient’s Voice
Nepean Hospital provided patients in a trial ward with a template containing prompts, so they could deliver a handover of their healthcare journey once a day to nursing staff.
Nepean Hospital
Added: 24 May 2017|Last updated: 29 January 2018
Multidisciplinary Assessment and Documentation in Community Palliative Care
Croydon Community Health Centre implemented a new model of care, including scheduled multidisciplinary team meetings, revised documentation and communication processes, as well as training for emergency department and generalist nursing staff.
Sydney Local Health District
Added: 28 November 2017|Last updated: 12 December 2017
Completing the Admission Checklist in Mental Health Rehabilitation Units
Sutherland Hospital Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit implemented new policies and processes for managing admissions, then educated staff on the changes.
Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service
Added: 27 October 2017|Last updated: 10 November 2017
It Takes Two
It Takes Two was designed to educate nursing staff and managers on NSW Health and local policies regarding medication handling, with the aim of improving patient safety in the emergency department.
St George Hospital
Added: 27 October 2017|Last updated: 10 November 2017
Running Away Causes Delay
This project reduced the number of patients who absconded (ran away) from the Coffs Harbour Mental Health Inpatient Unit, by implementing an environmental review, courtyard supervision, flexible visiting hours, multidisciplinary team reviews, leave prescriptions and capital works.
Mid North Coast Local Health District
Added: 23 October 2017|Last updated: 6 November 2017
Confusing Directions: Finding the Right Pathway for People with Delirium
Hunter New England Mental Health implemented a new screening tool and staff education to ensure patients with delirium are provided with the right care pathway.
Hunter New England Local Health District
Added: 23 October 2017|Last updated: 6 November 2017
A Clear Case: Improving Court Reports in Sexual Assault Cases
Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) centralised requests for expert witness certificates (EWCs) and developed a new review process in collaboration with staff and NSW Police.
Mid North Coast Local Health District
Added: 18 September 2017|Last updated: 2 October 2017
Planning for Gastronomy Success
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney (SVHS) improved patient information, treatment procedures and staff education, to ensure the placement of gastronomy feeding tubes aligned with best practice and Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) guidelines.
St Vincent's Hospital
Added: 18 September 2017|Last updated: 2 October 2017
A Coordinated Local Approach to Disordered Eating Services
This project improved care delivered to people with eating disorders in Broken Hill and surrounding areas in FWLHD. It focused on increasing clinicians’ skill and confidence by providing education sessions, improving access to resources and increasing opportunities for professional networking.
Broken Hill Health Service
Added: 25 August 2017|Last updated: 8 September 2017
Increasing the Appropriateness of Dietetic Referrals
This project addressed barriers experienced by nursing staff when using the malnutrition screening tool, by introducing staff education, streamlined education pathways and a cheat sheet for nursing staff.
South East Regional Hospital
Added: 23 August 2017|Last updated: 6 September 2017
Improving Clinical Review in the Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service
This project defined the role of the resource representative and increased awareness of this role among staff at Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service, to ensure patients are referred to the most appropriate clinician.
Northern Sydney Local Health District
Added: 3 May 2017|Last updated: 17 May 2017
Improving the Efficiency of External Pathology Results
The Heart and Lung Clinic at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney implemented a number of changes to the way it follows up and communicates external pathology results. This included the development of a new standard operating procedure, a dedicated area for reviewing patient files, new staff rosters, patient information brochures, patient database updates and standardised communication tools.
St Vincent's Hospital
Added: 7 April 2017|Last updated: 21 April 2017
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