Digital solution sought to take pressure of EDs

NEWS  - eHealthNews editor Rebecca McBeth

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is looking for a digital solution to safely redirect Emergency Department (ED) patients to other health providers such as telehealth, primary and urgent care.

The Registration of Interest (ROI) documents say the initiative is core to the National Afterhours and Urgent Care Work Programme, which is “aimed at establishing a consistent, equitable, and financially sustainable urgent care system across New Zealand”.

Thirty-one EDs are included in the launch of the initial solution and this group may change over time. 

The ‘integrated diversion management solution’ will refer patients safely from an ED to another health care provider and those in scope include; local urgent and afterhours care clinics, online GP service providers, and other face-to-face service providers including general practice.

“A diversion management solution is being progressed to enhance the patient experience and service efficiency by providing an integrated, seamless and simple way of finding the right health care service as agreed between the ED health care professional and patient,” the ROI says.

The solution should allow ED staff to search and view alternative health care service availability, book appointments where appropriate, and assess waiting times at Urgent Care Clinics, as well as provide secure "transfer of care" details to the receiving health professional.

Future scope may extend to dental, physiotherapy, and mental health providers.

“Our initial key outcome is: a comprehensive, end-to-end ED redirection solution that provides a clear pathway for both patients and clinicians throughout the entire redirection process,” it says.

The deadline for registrations is November 13.

If you would like to provide feedback on this news story, please contact the editor Rebecca McBeth.

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