RBWH Haematology and GPs working together to share the care

The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Haematology team has been working to establish a new and improved model of care, for patients with low risk haematology conditions.

Through the Haematology GP shared care pilot project, patients can opt to have three out of four scheduled medical reviews to be held with their recently upskilled general practitioners.

Evidence shows that shared care models work efficiently, with appropriate clinical support and structure. Eligible patients are those with low-risk blood disorders being monitored regularly with a regular GP.  Patients and their GPs are provided with care pathways outlining a recommended schedule of care, clinical indicators for escalation to a specialist and contact details for support.

Project Officer Annette Barnes said patients had reported their appreciation for the new model which streamlines hospital visitation.

“They favour this experience as it reduces their overall travel time, wait-times whilst in hospitals, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, by visiting their GP more regularly, patients were able to discuss multiple health issues rather than their haematological condition alone.”

A truly collaborative project, haematologists and GPs worked together with nursing and allied health staff, the GP Liaison Officers (GPLO) and consumers to achieve these positive results.

Throughout the project, GP Liaison Officers have been heavily involved and continue to be a vital link between haematologist and GPs. GPLOs were instrumental in the concept development and were able to advise on processes to improve patients’ experiences of this collaborative care.

Consumers are actively involved in the review of the pilot service. After each appointment they are asked to complete an evaluation including travel times, financial costs and waiting times. Additionally, a clinical project officer contacts the patients at regular intervals after their medical review to check on their progress and confirm continued participation.

Since the recruitment of 43 patients to its trial in January 2020, a total of 169 outpatient appointments have been transferred to GPs instead of being provided by RBWH haematologists.