Australians in need of medical care could get to see a specialist sooner, thanks to new research by a La Trobe University academic which has received more than $1 million in Federal Government funding.
Professor Katherine Harding has been successful in securing $1.46 million as part of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership Project scheme.
Professor Harding, from La Trobe’s School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, and the Eastern Health Institute, will run trials in eight outpatient medical clinics across the Eastern Health network to establish a process for reducing wait lists that can be replicated elsewhere.
The project, WaitLESS, will implement the Specific Timely Assessment Triage (STAT) model which has been previously used at various community health services.
Professor Harding said her research looked at balancing the supply and demand issue and finding innovative ways to provide care.
“It’s really exciting to take this work and apply it to a new field where it can have significant implications for many people.
“This will have a positive impact on people’s lives. It is an opportunity to take the information and insights people have given us from their experience with the health system and find solutions that can make a difference.”
The STAT model is a multi-pronged approach to reducing waiting lists, encompassing both short-term strategies to reduce backlogs, and ongoing changes to the way services are provided to achieve a better balance between supply and demand.
Possible solutions to be trialled include the use of other health professionals to support the work of specialist doctors and modern technology such as telehealth.
“It’s often assumed that the only way to reduce waiting lists is to hire more specialists. While more supply in the system will always be welcome, this research will help us to find innovative ways to provide the best possible care with the resources available,” Professor Harding said.
La Trobe Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Chris Pakes said Professor Harding’s research underscored the value in the University working with external partners.
“I congratulate Katherine on her fantastic achievement and look forward to seeing the outcome of the trials this research will uncover,” Professor Pakes said.
“We recognise the value of our partnership with Eastern Health in driving research impact in the healthcare sector. The outcomes of this project will be of benefit to many Australians who will be able to seek specialist care more immediately.”
The NHMRC’s Partnership Project scheme funds researchers and partner agencies to work together to collaboratively define research questions, undertake research, interpret the findings and translate them into health policies and healthcare practices.
A full list of funding outcomes for the 2023 Partnership Projects Peer Review Cycle 2 round is available to download on NHMRC's Outcomes of funding rounds webpage.
