Research Article: Evaluation of the priority primary care centre program to reduce emergency department burden in regional Victoria, Australia: a mixed-method study
Abstract:
Introduction In Australia, the Victorian State Government has established a number of priority primary care centres (PPCCs) across the state to address the increasing demand for emergency departments (EDs). PPCCs are general practitioner-led, free-of-charge services that aim to provide care for conditions that require urgent attention but do not require the high-acuity care of an ED. This study aims to evaluate the implementation processes, outcomes and the impact of the PPCC on reducing ED demand within Barwon, Warrnambool and Grampians Health Services in the Western region of Victoria, Australia. Methods and analysis This is a convergent mixed-method study. Qualitative data collection will be undertaken through semistructured interviews to understand the experiences of PPCC patients, PPCC clinical staff, PPCC managerial and administrative staff and ED clinical staff. A documentary analysis will be conducted on the materials relating to the implementation of the PPCC. The quantitative component will involve interrupted time series analysis of de-identified administrative data, comprising ED presentation records and PPCC clinical records. Implementation science frameworks will be integrated throughout the study. The RE-AIM framework is a guide used for the planning and evaluation of programmes through five outcomes: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will be integrated. Ethics and dissemination This study has received ethical approval from Deakin University HREC (Ref No. 2023-046) and Barwon Health HREC (Ref No. 94374). Findings will be disseminated as reports, presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Introduction:
Emergency health systems are under increasing pressure from high levels of demand. Higher emergency presentation rates have been seen across Australia 1 and worldwide. 2 3 In Australia, emergency department (ED) rates have been increasing by 2–3% per year on average, 4 5 even after controlling for changes in population. This increasing demand will create an additional cost burden for the Australian public, and if increased capacity is not financed, it has the potential to negatively impact ED performance and…
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