5 Implications for PHNs Following the Evaluation of PHN After Hours Program

As a Primary Health Network (PHN) that commissions after-hours primary care services, it is important to understand the key findings of the Evaluation of PHN After Hours Program. This report highlights several areas where PHNs can improve their after-hours services to better meet the needs of their communities. Here are five implications for PHNs following this evaluation, along with suggestions on how to do it better.

1. Clarify the purpose of the program

The report found that there is a lack of clarity about the purpose of the program, which can make decision-making across different aspects of the program difficult. To address this issue, PHNs should take steps to clarify the program’s purpose and provide guidance on implementation, for example, developing clear objectives and performance indicators that align with national policy goals.

2. Improve communication strategies

Many stakeholders, including PHNs, considered that there was a need for highly visible entry points for clients seeking after-hours care. PHNs take time to develop effective communication strategies that promote a wider understanding of how to seek after-hours primary care that is appropriate and supports quality and continuity of care. Adopting different types of technology may be one way to do this. PHNs could use social media platforms or other digital channels to reach out to patients, allowing them to quickly contact patients, provide timely updates and disseminate accurate information.

3. Triage patients effectively

Mechanisms for triaging patients to the most appropriate after-hours options are needed. Using telehealth options in after-hours care where appropriate would be one way to do this. Telehealth allows patients to remotely receive medical care or consultations from healthcare providers. To ensure effective triage, PHNs should work closely with local health providers and other stakeholders to develop clear referral pathways and protocols.

4. Monitor program efficiency

Some PHNs were more efficient than others in their use of funding for after-hours services which suggests room for improvement across the board in terms of program efficiency. To improve efficiency, PHNs should be trying to regularly monitor their programs and evaluate their impact. Conducting regular audits of service delivery and using data analytics to identify areas where improvements can be made might help PHNs keep on top of this,

5. Conduct needs assessments in the context of a system-wide plan

The report found that needs assessments have generally been conducted well, but they could be more effective if they were set in the context of a system-wide plan for after-hours services. PHNs should work closely with other health providers and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of their communities, in order to achieve this. This could include identifying gaps in service provision, allocating resources effectively, and developing clear referral pathways.

Room for improvements

The Evaluation of PHN After Hours Program highlights several areas where PHNs can improve their after-hours services to better meet the needs of their communities. If PHNs can apply these five suggestions, they can ensure that patients receive high-quality care when they need it most.

It is important for PHNs to take these implications seriously and work towards implementing them in their after-hours primary care services. By doing so, they can improve the accessibility and effectiveness of primary health care for all Australians.