Health providers have access to more localised service information

Doctors and other healthcare providers across the Murrumbidgee region can now access even more localised referral guidance, with Murrumbidgee HealthPathways reaching 100 individual pathways this week.

Murrumbidgee HealthPathways, which is a collaboration between Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), local specialists, general practitioners and health professionals, is a free online portal allowing clinicians in the region to access evidence based information on the assessment and management of common clinical conditions.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said Murrumbidgee HealthPathways was launched in June 2018 and since then a local team of GP clinical editors have been working to localise pathways.

“I’m pleased we have now been able to complete 100 HealthPathways to support both our clinicians and the community, who want access to timely, localised and current advice and options,” Ms Neal said.

“Feedback we have received from those accessing HealthPathways indicate it being a valuable resource, especially for new clinicians and locums to the area.

“I would like to congratulate and thank the team of GP clinical editors and other health specialists who have worked tirelessly to provide accurate local details and evidence-based clinical information for assessment and treatment,” she said.

MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the success of reaching the 100 Murrumbidgee HealthPathways milestone demonstrates the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

“HealthPathways is a great example of the acute and primary health care organisations working together to ensure providers have access to information they need, including clinical details about conditions, and localised referral options to help a clinician discuss next steps for assessment and treatment,” Ms Ludford said.

“What this means for patients is a more streamlined approach to care as they move through the health system.”

Dr Marietjie van Der Merwe, Clinical Lead for the Murrumbidgee HealthPathways and General Practitioner said topics covered by the 100 pathways are varied and prioritised according to community needs.

“Pathways are designed to be used at the point of care to provide support in the assessment and management of clinical conditions, and can improve the quality and appropriateness of referrals within the local health system,” Dr van Der Merwe said.

“We now have pathways on a range of topics including child health, palliative care, pregnancy, respiratory, cardiology, diabetes, gastroenterology, mental health, aged care, and alcohol and other drugs.

“In response to the recent bushfires and coronavirus, we have also developed HealthPathways for each of these topics too.

“I would certainly encourage any new colleagues to the region to get in touch with MPHN to arrange access to the portal and a demonstration. I would also suggest GPs consider adding a link on their desktop or mobile phone for easy access to the platform,” she said.

For more information about Murrumbidgee HealthPathways visit www.mphn.org.au/HealthPathways.