Stories in brief

HBI enhances specialist knowledge

The unique Herston Biofabrication Institute provides training and printing services in addition to its research work. HBI has hosted over 100 students and supported the production of over 300 3D printed training models for anaesthesia and intensive care, craniofacial surgery, and ENT training.

The service also hosted bespoke craniectomy skills workshop for 30 surgeons, anaesthetic and theatre staff using 3D printed skulls.

Digital waitlist audits

Metro North has conducted a proof-of-concept trial with the Outpatient Waitlist Solution (OWLS) demonstrating the benefits of digital platforms to improve outpatient services. Digital surveys can be accessed and completed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them more convenient to respondents.

By eliminating the printing, distribution and storing costs for paper-based audits, the digital solution also provides greater cost-effectiveness, along with faster and easier analysis.

Streamlining outpatient referrals

The Streamlining Outpatient Referrals Team (SORT) uses registered nurses to review referrals against to ensure they meet clinical prioritisation criteria. SORT ensures specialists receive the relevant tests and information required prior to seeing the patient, ensuring an efficient and appropriate consultation.

Chronic wound care

The Health Alliance, a partnership of Metro North Health and the Brisbane North PHN, held a co-design workshop with involving hospital specialists, primary care clinicians, residential aged care facilities and service managers to improve patient access to chronic wound services.

Workshops were held face to face and virtually where attendees could help use their specialised knowledge to unpack the barriers in access to care as well as put forward solutions to shift towards are more integrated and effective service delivery model across both hospital and community settings.