Bridging the gap: working towards patient-centred models of care by embedding clinical pathways into contemporary practice in Tasmanian EDs
Tracks
Concurrent Stream 1
| Thursday, October 17, 2024 |
| 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM |
| Ionic Room |
Overview
Maria Unwin
Speaker
Dr Maria Unwin
IMPACT Research Fellow
Menzies Institute for Medical Research, UTAS
Bridging the gap: working towards patient-centred models of care by embedding clinical pathways into contemporary practice in Tasmanian EDs
10:30 AM - 10:50 AMAbstract
The implementation of evidence-based guidelines into routine emergency care is complex and can take many years. It is estimated that only 60% of care is in line with evidence- or consensus-based guidelines, 30% causes some form of waste or low-value care and 10% is harmful. Evidence also demonstrates that factors such as high staff turnover, access block and overcrowding contribute to delays in the implementation of evidence-based practices. These factors are further amplified in regional and rural contexts where resources are constrained and collaboration between clinicians and researchers is limited. Clinical pathways are evidence-based standardised care plans outlining key processes in the care of patients with a particular condition or presentation and have been shown to improve evidence-based practice in healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to enhance the incorporation of clinical pathways into contemporary, patient-centred models of care across Tasmanian emergency departments (ED) and improve service delivery, outcomes and reduce inefficiencies using an implementation science approach.
In working towards achieving our aim, this study has adopted a multifaceted mixed method approach. The overall study design will include four stages: 1) a retrospective review of clinical pathway compliance and health outcomes; 2) interviews with ED staff to build an understanding of the enablers and barriers to using existing clinical pathways; 3) evaluation of the value (including economic) of clinical pathways; and 4) identifying the feasibility and value of implementing a learning health system within Tasmanian EDs.
A key focus of this study is the translation of research into context-tailored strategies to improve emergency care through efficient, safe, sustainable, and evidence-based care. This presentation will include preliminary results from the IMplementing clinical Pathways in Acute Care in Tasmania (IMPACT) study. The IMPACT study is a Medical Research Future Fund project for improving efficiency and effectiveness of acute care (MRFF2018041).
In working towards achieving our aim, this study has adopted a multifaceted mixed method approach. The overall study design will include four stages: 1) a retrospective review of clinical pathway compliance and health outcomes; 2) interviews with ED staff to build an understanding of the enablers and barriers to using existing clinical pathways; 3) evaluation of the value (including economic) of clinical pathways; and 4) identifying the feasibility and value of implementing a learning health system within Tasmanian EDs.
A key focus of this study is the translation of research into context-tailored strategies to improve emergency care through efficient, safe, sustainable, and evidence-based care. This presentation will include preliminary results from the IMplementing clinical Pathways in Acute Care in Tasmania (IMPACT) study. The IMPACT study is a Medical Research Future Fund project for improving efficiency and effectiveness of acute care (MRFF2018041).
Biography
Dr Maria Unwin, is a CENA Fellow and a postdoctoral research fellow at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania. From Launceston in northern Tasmania, Maria has an extensive background in regional paediatric and emergency nursing. She graduated with a PhD from UTas in late 2021 with a special interest in health services research, particularly in relation to emergency care. Maria enjoys using her clinical knowledge and expertise to inform research and to translate research knowledge into evidence-based practice guidelines for clinicians, improved health care and outcomes for patients and equitable access to the right services for the community.
As an early career researcher, Maria is committed to establishing collaborative relationships and forging strong partnerships with stakeholders (clinicians, managers, policy makers and consumers), she recognises the role these relationships play in the translation and implementation of research in the regional Tasmanian context.
