Abstract
Objective: To describe the range and nature of hospital outreach (HO) services available to aged care facilities (ACFs) across Australia and determine current uptake of these services.
Methods: We will conduct a systematic environmental scan and content analysis of HO services currently offered to ACFs across Australia. The scan consists of an online search of public hospitals outlined in the Local Hospital Network (LHN) directory provided by the National Health Funding Body, and government and other publicly available websites and document analysis of the content of HO services.
Lessons Learned: Preventing unnecessary hospital admissions in Australia is an explicit healthcare reform objective. HO services are emerging as alternative healthcare service delivery models. Initial analyses will identify current provision and uptake of HO services to assist in enhancing health system efficiency and cost-effectiveness,
improve resident outcomes, prevent unnecessary hospitalisation, and reduce pressure on hospitals.
Implications: Australia’s population of older adults is increasing in both number and proportion and is older than it has ever been. In 2017-18, people aged 65 and over accounted for 42% of all hospitalisations, yet only accounted for 15% of the population at that time. Nearly 70% of aged care expenditure is on residential aged care, with ACF residents the frailest cohort of the aged. Our research will help clinicians and policymakers better understand current uptake of HO services provided, and identify potential inequities across Australia to inform development of health system policies.
Methods: We will conduct a systematic environmental scan and content analysis of HO services currently offered to ACFs across Australia. The scan consists of an online search of public hospitals outlined in the Local Hospital Network (LHN) directory provided by the National Health Funding Body, and government and other publicly available websites and document analysis of the content of HO services.
Lessons Learned: Preventing unnecessary hospital admissions in Australia is an explicit healthcare reform objective. HO services are emerging as alternative healthcare service delivery models. Initial analyses will identify current provision and uptake of HO services to assist in enhancing health system efficiency and cost-effectiveness,
improve resident outcomes, prevent unnecessary hospitalisation, and reduce pressure on hospitals.
Implications: Australia’s population of older adults is increasing in both number and proportion and is older than it has ever been. In 2017-18, people aged 65 and over accounted for 42% of all hospitalisations, yet only accounted for 15% of the population at that time. Nearly 70% of aged care expenditure is on residential aged care, with ACF residents the frailest cohort of the aged. Our research will help clinicians and policymakers better understand current uptake of HO services provided, and identify potential inequities across Australia to inform development of health system policies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 259 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Event | Health Services and Policy Research Conference 2019 - Pullman Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand Duration: 4 Dec 2019 → 6 Dec 2019 Conference number: 11th http://www.healthservicesconference.com.au/hsraanz2019/ |
Conference
| Conference | Health Services and Policy Research Conference 2019 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | HSRAANZ 2019 |
| Country/Territory | New Zealand |
| City | Auckland |
| Period | 4/12/19 → 6/12/19 |
| Internet address |