The health care providers have been coordinating their efforts for some time. Through the HCN critical patient information is being shared more effectively. Under the trial, participating GPs have a direct link via secure fax to asthma specialists and the hospital. All parties are contributing information about patient consultations and admissions. As a result of this, hospital staff in accident and emergency centres have critical patient information readily available, along with information about the relevant treating specialist.
All patients are under the care of participating GPs.
To improve on- going management, details of hospital admissions, subsequent treatment and discharge are being transmitted back to the relevant GP and specialist. Of course, informed patient consent governs participation in the pilot project and all information flows. As you can see, the quality of patient care is being enhanced through the exchange of information between providers. The result is an increase in confidence of the patient and the family in the nature of the care being provided. The second pilot is the Riverina Region Teleradiology project.