Front line health workers design improved models of care for infants and families in Caboolture

On 12 June, local front line health workers came together to design improved ways of working during the early months of a child’s life. Midwives, child health nurses, GPs, practice nurses and other service providers focussed on improving the transition from hospital into the community and primary care.  

The workshop started with a future process mapping exercise designed to plot the patient journey in an ideal health system. Key elements of this ideal health system were then operationalised by the group. Ideas included a focus on introducing Child Health Services in the antenatal period, ensuring continuity of care from midwives to child health nurses, as well as continuity with primary care at all stages of the antenatal and postnatal period. Warm handovers, patient choice and information sharing were also standouts from the event.

“We’ve found that front line health workers have the answers to system problems but haven’t had the opportunity or the permission to address them. Bringing these workers together, and giving them the space and time to think collaboratively about how to care for families outside of the institutions or silos has been a very positive experience” 
– Professor Don Matheson, General Manager Health Alliance 

What's next?

These suggestions will be tested by the Health Alliance Family Reference Group to ensure families are at the centre of decision making. Once finalised, they will be taken to the CoreG roup, consisting of decision makers from Metro North HHS, Children's Health Queensland and Brisbane North PHN.