Information Management & Information Communications Technology

Page content: Overview | E-referral Architecture Framework - information resources | Human service directory | SCTT software development | Privacy resources | Broadband connectivity | Electronic referral | Health Smart initiatives | Federal & State government health initiatives | Service coordination updates | Contact

Overview

A key aim of the PCP strategy is to develop and utilize Information Management (IM) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance service coordination. This page includes information on the various IM/ICT initiatives that supports service coordination with all human service agencies.

E-referral Architecture Framework - information resources

Streamlining client referrals between agencies within DHS and in the broader community is increasingly becoming a priority for a broad range of agencies seeking to improve the coordination of client care.

Agencies and partnerships (PCPs) have been developing ways to share information electronically to improve the efficiency and security of information exchange, particularly for the purpose of client referral. As this activity grew the challenges associated with interoperability and the development of a standards based approach became more critical. In light of these issues DHS ICT Strategy Council endorsed a project to look at the development of an e-referral architecture framework as a first step in defining standards that will support an interoperable e-referral environment. Email Max Walker (max.walker@dhs.vic.gov.au) to request a copy of the e-referral architecture framework, and include your contact details and mail address.

The information resources below provide an overview to the project and more general information about the e-referral architecture framework.

E-Referral Architecture Framework information sheet (514kb, MS Word)

Developing an E-Referral Architecture Framework - project overview (512kb, MS Word)

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Human services directory

The Human Services Directory (HSD) aims to provide consumers and service providers with comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date health, community and disability services information. Information on the HSD can be accessed through the Internet on http://www.humanservicesdirectory.vic.gov.au/.

SCTT software development

In order to support agency business and make the referral process easier for practitioners, the Service Coordination Tool Templates have been included in over 30 different software applications used by service providers including six popular GP clinical software applications.

Service providers can use their software application to produce electronic copies of the Service Coordination Tool Templates, which can be printed, faxed, saved and shared electronically within a secure environment.

For detailed information and updates, please refer to Service coordination implementation information resource.

Privacy resources

A cornerstone of service coordination is the collection and sharing of consumer information according to agreed protocols. It is essential that consumers can be confident that their information will be handled appropriately. PCP privacy resources and a consumer privacy brochure in community languages are available to assist practitioners in their discussions with consumers regarding how their information will be dealt with.

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Broadband connectivity

The Department of Human Services invested $15 million dollars as a part of the Victorian Government’s “Growing Victoria Together” initiative, to provide broadband services to over 450 prioritised primary and community health agency sites.

This broadband infrastructure implemented through regional ICT alliances is an important means for agencies to access Statewide Shared ICT services. This is important for those agencies that are considering replacing their current client management system with one from the panel of soon to be deployed HealthSMART applications. Although dial-up connections can still be used to access these systems, it is recommended that broadband connection be the preferred choice for agencies.

Electronic referral

E-referral supports more efficient and effective service delivery. With the client’s consent, agencies share and update client information, to better meet client needs and also better facilitate agency processes. E-referral reduces the burden of recapturing basic client data, and supports the delivery of up-to-date and accurate client service histories. The main advantages over conventional referring processes are the speed, privacy and reliability of information transfer. In addition, e-referral also provides a better feedback process than paper based referral.

The foundation for e-referral is the service provider relationship network created by the 31 PCPs, which have been established since 2000.

Further information on E-referral including the Statewide e-referral forum.

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Health Smart initiatives

The Office of Health Information Systems (OHIS) is responsible for the implementation of the HealthSMART program, Victoria’s whole of health ICT strategy. The HealthSMART projects supports Service Coordination and includes:

• The introduction and implementation of Patient and Client Management System (P&CMS), which will provide improved ways of managing client information and support the use of the Service Coordination tool templates.
• The development and implementation of Shared ICT Services that will provide a secure centralised facility to host Patient and Client Management Systems and other core applications as a managed service to agencies.
• Development of e-Referral messaging standards and acquisition of integration tools and technologies that will enable electronic referral between agencies using different software packages.

Federal & other State Government initiatives

The Australian Government will provide $128.3 million over the next four years towards the implementation of a national health information network, called HealthConnect, as a major platform for reforming health care delivery in Australia. Lead implementation will progress in Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory in 2005.

Health Connect

HealthConnect (external link) is about improving the quality and safety of Australia’s health care system through the development of a national health information network. The Commonwealth, in partnership with the States and Territories is currently undertaking two years of research and development work to design a model for the network and to test its value and long-term sustainability prior to any government decision to proceed on a national basis.

Victoria has identified specific HealthConnect preparation projects to develop an effective and sustainable model and provide specific building blocks for the implementation of HealthConnect across the State. Specific information about the Victorian projects can be found on the HealthSMART website.

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National Communications Fund

The $50 million National Communications Fund (NCF) (external link) will assist in the rollout of the infrastructure and applications to enable high-speed telecommunications networks to deliver education and health services in regional Australia.

The NCF's objective is to achieve significant improvements in service delivery in the education and health sectors through funding large-scale telecommunications projects in regional areas.

HealthSMART

HealthSMART, Victoria's Whole-of-Health ICT Strategy is a four-year Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategy that aims to introduce technologies that will actively assist the delivery of care and improve health outcomes for Victorians of all ages, in all circumstances.

Service coordination information management / ICT updates

A range of Department of Human Services program areas have now implemented service coordination and a number of other Programs will be mandating the use of the Service Coordination Tool Templates by 2006. More detail about Service Coordination implementation.

Contact

Contact information for further enquiries.

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