Case Studies
Nurse clinics – A welcome change
With an ageing population, the burden of chronic illness and increasing complexities of care, the health care needs of Australians have changed.
Current care delivery models – from acute to primary health care – are struggling to meet the increasing demands, and health care providers are looking for new and innovative ways to deliver health care.
Nurse clinics are well placed to meet these demands, and are already in operation in many settings, from acute care to primary health care, both nationally and internationally. And while the format of these clinic models may vary, their positive benefits include improved patient health outcomes, better access to care, and decreased rates of hospital admission.
The information provided in each case study was obtained from organisations at the time they participated in an APNA nurse clinic project and were aligned with current best-practice and MBS billing information available at that time. For up-to-date information on MBS item usage, please visit MBS Online.
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Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Clinic
Coffs Medical Centre in NSW established a cardiovascular disease prevention clinic in response to an identified need in their community. The clinic was implemented and is run by an Enrolled Nurse with extensive experience in chronic disease management, supervised by a Registered Nurse.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Clinic, QLD
Christine Brown is a registered nurse in rural NSW. 18 months ago, her practice had 906 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients registered with only 30% attending a regular health check. With high levels of chronic disease and a lower life expectancy than other groups in the area, Christine made a commitment to help.
Preventative Health Risk Screening and Nurse Health Coaching, VIC
Four practices located in Western Victoria took part in a 12 month project intended to increase nurse-led multi-disease risk screening, improve the documentation of risk factors and promote the early detection of chronic disease
Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic Project, WA
Chronic Heart Failure is a key priority for the Western Australian Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA). The Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic Project focuses on collaborative, integrated action on chronic heart failure.
Breathe Easy, Breathe Safe Project, QLD
The Breathe Easy, Breathe Safe Project is targeted towards a collaborative model of care between the acute and primary health care sectors aiming to improve asthma and COPD management within the Mackay region.
Healthy Ageing in a Prison Service, VIC
Langi Kal Kal Medical is located in the Prison service in Trawalla, fifty kilometers outside of Ballarat. A Healthy Ageing Clinic for prisoners with chronic health conditions was established with the aim of improving the health of the prisoner population using preventative measures.
The Wellness Clinic, NSW
The Wellness Family Medical Centre established a self-management wellness clinic for patients with identified chronic disease. The region where the practice is located includes a high population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who experience a significantly lower life expectancy compared to the rest of NSW. The clinic focused on improving patients’ health literacy and encouraging lifestyle changes to allow them to manage their own health more effectively.
Iron Infusion Clinic, VIC
Junction Place Medical Centre is based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. An iron infusion clinic was established with the goal of ensuring patients had better access to iron infusion treatment, in a timely manner, at a reasonable cost.
Men’s Health Clinic, TAS
Cygnet Family Practice is located in the picturesque Huon Valley in Tasmania, just under one hour’s drive south of Hobart. The Practice established two Men’s Health Outreach Nurse Clinic models at Duggans Earthworks, Concrete and Quarry Supplies and at Cygnet RSL.
Perinatal Clinic, NSW
In response to campaigns encouraging new parents to seek mental health support, Busby Medical saw an increase in presentations. Whilst it was encouraging to see struggling new parents seek support, the demand was becoming far greater than local services in Busby could supply. Busby Medical saw an opportunity to fill this gap with a nurse-delivered perinatal clinic.
Cardiovascular Prevention Nurse Clinic, NSW
NEW VIDEO!
My Health; My Choice Nurse Clinic, VIC
Bowel Cancer Nurse Clinic, QLD
Nurses Who Upskill Podcast with Lead Nurse Di
Listen to an interview with nurse Di Mears on our Nursing Australia podcast explaining the establishment of a cardiovascular nurse clinic at her practice. Recorded on 10 June 2021.
Improve Your Heart Health Nurse Clinic, QLD
Better Access to Care Podcast with Lead Nurses Mary and Clee
Listen to an interview with nurses, Mary Vu and Clee Beath. This podcast explores initiatives which provide better access to care and address an identified need to reduce waiting times for treatment. Recorded on 2 March 2022.