Abstract: A regional framework for applying decision support technology to ensure efficient ...

A regional framework for applying decision support technology to ensure efficient and sustainable funding in the pursuit of better health outcomes
This is an abstract presentation recorded for the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority's (IHPA) Activity Based Funding Conference 2022, which was held virtually from 5 to 6 May 2022.
About this abstract
To develop a regional framework for applying decision support technology to ensure prudent and efficient application of funding to generate sustainability in the pursuit of better health outcomes.
Total health care expenditure in Australia is rising faster than inflation and population growth, comprising $185.4 billion in 2017-18. Health spending accounted for 10% of overall economic activity . The healthcare system of the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW is under increasing pressure. Whilst the growth in demand for healthcare services shows no signs of slowing, the funding available to service the demand is under pressure.
Healthy North Coast (HNC) and both Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts (LHDs) formed the North Coast Collective (NCC) as a cross-sectoral approach to optimising health outcomes in our region. This shared approach involves joint planning and priority setting, shared resourcing, and a commitment to pursuing the best return on investment for health outcomes.
As part of a strategic response to improving health outcomes efficiently and sustainably on the North Coast, Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs (MHAOD) became the first strategy of the NCC due to the adverse outcomes experienced in comparison to state average.
Presenter
• Ms Julie Sturgess, Chief Executive Officer, Healthy North Coast
Julie has over 30 years’ experience in the health care sector as a clinician, and senior management executive. Her experience encompasses roles such as cheif executive officer of a primary care provider, Director of clinical service design and innovation and Senior Director for strategy and governance in Queensland Government and Principal Health Specialist for Telstra Health.
These roles required extensive knowledge across both government and non-government organisations, and an understanding of metropolitan, regional and rural health settings. Julie has predominantly focussed on managing the provision of healthcare services and improving access for patients across a range of environments through delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for care which promote optimum safety, quality and efficiency whilst recognising the unique requirements of each community.
Julie has a keen interest in the opportunities that eHealth will drive in changing the face of healthcare delivery, and is an avid follower of the potential service offerings that artificial intelligence, modelling and remote technologies will offer in primary care. Having worked with Northern Territory Health to establish the National Telehealth Connection service, she has seen the benefits demonstrated through increasing the delivery of health services to remote indigenous communities.
But technology is only one part of system reform. Julie’s other passion is the exploration of governance and funding models which will promote a greater focus on long term health outcomes through the recognition and increased investment in the social determinants of health.
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