The clinical support systems program.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Australia↗
Biomedical subjects
Paul W Long
Publications and source records attributed to Paul W Long.
Turning an idea into reality to improve patient care: the development of the Clinical Support Systems Program.
The concept of the Clinical Support Systems Program (CSSP) was transformed from an idea into reality through the efforts of representatives of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. This collaboration involved developing common ground between two different perspectives: those of the funder/policy/administrative sector and those of the clinical practice world. Bridging these differences to establish an agreed approach to moving forward was a lengthy and difficult process. The process is aided by tension for change. Compromise, persistence and commitment to the end-goal by the parties involved were important features in building and maintaining the momentum of the change process. Many of the difficulties experienced could be traced to differences in decision-making processes between the clinical and the administrative paradigms. Knowledge brokers can assist in bridging the different languages and perspectives of the groups involved.
Australia↗
Towards a Safer Culture: clinical pathways in acute coronary syndromes and stroke.
Towards a Safer Culture (TASC) aims to provide a safer culture in hospital departments by introducing clinical pathways for the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes or stroke. Specific clinical pathways have been implemented for patients with different levels of risk to guide the most appropriate evidence-based medical care for each patient. Pathways facilitate continuity of care across different clinical departments by identifying gaps in care, and clarifying tasks and responsibilities. A multidisciplinary and interdepartmental approach to managing patients is seen as an effective way of effecting change. A system for "point-of-care" data acquisition, a centralised database and web-based reporting enable benchmarking for participating hospitals. A comprehensive range of educational/training strategies is used to facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork and promote clinical leadership. Phase 1 of TASC was successfully piloted at four hospitals in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. TASC is currently being rolled out to 29 hospitals in NSW and three hospitals in Western Australia.
Acute Disease↗
Lessons from the Clinical Support Systems Program: facilitating better practice through leadership and team building.
The increasing array of strategies and models for improving clinical practice and patient outcomes can be confusing for clinicians. The Clinical Support Systems (CSS) model has proved to be effective in local environments because it demystifies the design and implementation of evidence-based practice improvement projects. The CSS model is simple and has a wide scope. It provides a broad framework with minimalist specifications, enabling clinicians to design their own systems of care that cut across fragmented organisational structures. Implementing simple rules can be an effective strategy for change in complex care systems. These rules do not impose solutions on clinicians, but rather, help them to find creative solutions that have meaning for them and are contextually relevant.
Australia↗
The Clinical Support Systems Program: supporting system-wide improvement.
The Clinical Support Systems Program (CSSP) provided a mechanism for change from the existing entrenched structure and culture of patient care to one based on patient-centred, evidence-based care. The spectrum of change and improvement achieved by the CSSP was extensive, with support from government and active and enthusiastic involvement of clinical champions, practising clinicians, consumers and managers. The CSSP experience confirmed that responsibility for quality clinical care cannot be borne solely by clinicians, and highlighted key areas where improvement in the support clinicians receive is needed. Many barriers to improvement in our complex healthcare system can be removed by recognising the need for accurate data recording and data systems, teamwork, and high-level organisational buy-in, with collaboration between teams and organisations trying to improve the quality of patient care. System-wide improvement has been stimulated and facilitated by the CSSP experience, with mutual flow-on benefits for the activities of the Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Health Care and the National Institute of Clinical Studies.
Allied Health Personnel↗