West Moreton Health’s groundbreaking Preventative Integrated Care Service (PICS) has been chosen as a finalist in the Queensland Health Awards for Excellence.
Unique to West Moreton Health, PICS provides comprehensive, tailored care to adult patients at high risk of entering or re-entering the hospital system due to underlying chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory conditions.
Patients are commonly referred to the service by General Practitioners and staff from West Moreton Health hospitals, with PICS treatment beginning in the home within 48 hours of referral.
Following treatment, the PICS team – consisting of medical, nursing and allied health professionals – spends up to two weeks on patient stabilisation through additional home visits, face-to-face clinics, telehealth sessions and remote monitoring.
Education is also provided to help patients recognise the early signs of clinical deterioration, connect with services in the community and maintain good health outside of hospital.
Launched in November 2022, the service saved a total of 2,363 bed days, 554 ED presentations and 275 inpatient admissions at Ipswich Hospital in its first 15 months of operation.
Its success has earned selection as a finalist in the Transforming Health category of the Queensland Health Awards for Excellence, with winners to be announced at an awards ceremony at Brisbane City Hall on Wednesday, June 19.
PICS Team Leader Nadia Hawker said the service was combatting the increasing number of ED presentations and potentially preventable hospitalisations at Ipswich Hospital, while also improving patients’ quality of life at home.
“Through early intervention and education, PICS is making a real difference for our patients,” she said.
"We consulted with a wide range of local health organisations to develop the PICS model of care and our treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s circumstances and preferences.
“Our team also works closely with patients to identify solutions to the underlying causes of repeated hospital visits.
“They take real care to provide clear communication to patients’ caregivers, service providers and GPs so anyone treated through PICS can safely transition to care in the community once discharged.
“Importantly, the service is also improving access to emergency care and freeing up hospital beds for other patients.”
Ms Hawker said PICS’ “patient-first” approach had underpinned its success.
“The West Moreton community deserves access to safe, reliable, timely care and that’s exactly what PICS provides,” she said.
“The PICS team has cared for more than 2,000 patients since its launch, with follow-up surveys revealing some excellent feedback.
“This includes patients being less inclined to visit the emergency department or call an ambulance; 90 per cent of patients saying they received care at the ‘right time’; and 95 per cent saying they received the ‘right care’.
“Eighty-five per cent of patients on remote monitoring also believed it helped them stay out of hospital.
“It all adds up to a wonderful result for the PICS team and West Moreton Health.”
The Transforming Health category of the Queensland Health Awards for Excellence recognises projects that have contributed to or delivered connected, equitable, sustainable and integrated healthcare initiatives to Queenslanders.