Local Graduate Rebecca Smith leads the way with InNovative Change Project
Far West Local Health District is celebrating the graduation of a staff member who has completed a redesign project aimed at improving the experiences and health outcomes of the local community.
Rebecca Smith, Integrated Care Manager, Far West LHD has graduated from the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Centre for Healthcare Redesign at a ceremony held virtually on 10 December 2021.
At the ceremony, graduates presented the results of their redesign projects to their peers, local health district sponsors, redesign leaders, the ACI and the University of Tasmania representatives.
Rebecca's project is titled: Improve, Enhance and Supplement Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Outcomes. This project targets prevention in potentially preventable hospitalisations for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PPH-COPD) and strengthens an integrated care model for the management of the disease.
The benefits of the project include:
- Reduces avoidable presentations for COPD conditions in the emergency department and subsequent hospitalisations into medical wards.
- Strengthens primary care in the better management of COPD.
- Reduces the risk of complications through an improved, more coordinated, and culturally appropriate approach to patient care.
- Improves patient's quality of life with minimum disruption to normal routines due to avoidable hospitalisations.
- Reduces healthcare costs and prevents bed blocks.
Rebecca said the Far West LHD has such a diverse range of career opportunities and to work in partnership with the ACI and the University of Tasmania to gain these skills and qualification has been a great experience for me to enhance my career.
'This has been an extraordinary opportunity to work in a location you love and help improve healthcare services for the community,' she said.
'In a year filled with such challenges in the COVID landscape I can't thank my project partner, clinicians on the floor, executive sponsor and above all the patients whom helped to design this project. I know the project foundations set this year will help see improvements well into the future.'
Acting ACI Chief Executive, Dr Tracey Tay, said the redesign program supports NSW health staff to develop innovative new ways of delivering care, which leads to better patient experiences and outcomes.
'The redesign program, delivered in partnership with the University of Tasmania, is intensive and challenging, providing graduates with the applied knowledge and skills they need to improve health service delivery, now and into the future,' Dr Tay said
'The range of innovative projects implemented through this challenging year is a testament to the determination and resilience of healthcare professionals in NSW.
'Congratulations to all the graduates for showcasing new ways of delivering care and improving the way our healthcare system works; particularly while we have all been working so hard to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on our community.'
For more information about the CHR graduate projects, visit www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/ie/projects