Key Dissemination Learnings from an Innovative, Value-Based Emergency Department Prevention Program

The Caboolture and Redcliffe regions of North Brisbane have experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with high levels of emergency department (ED) use, an ageing population, and a high proportion of complex health and psychosocial needs. An innovative intervention was co-designed to reduce unnecessary emergency department (ED) presentations by those with chronic complex conditions in the selected regions. Local general practices (GPs) were approached to participate in the program, now titled the ‘Care Collective,’ and provided with a funding package to build the capacity of the practice to employ an existing practice nurse or utilise a contracted nurse to upskill in a coordination role. The nurses, titled Complex Care Coordinators (CCCs), connect eligible clients with existing services in the community, aiming to improve patient quality of life, health literacy, and ability to self-manage their condition; in turn reducing unnecessary ED presentations and hospital admissions. The program has been funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care Primary Pilots Program.