AHHA Submission to the Scope of Practice Review - Issues Paper 1 Public Submissions

This submission builds on consultation undertaken with health system leaders in developing a blueprint for health reform towards outcomes-focused, value-based health care, and AHHA’s operating model of continuously listening to and engaging with the experiences and evidence from our members and stakeholders, as we contribute to the evolution of our health system. [...] Due to the evolving nature of health care and need to embed innovations to scope of practice sustainably into our health system, we propose that reforms use a value-based health care framework and consider the recommendation included in the consultation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) policy and methods: to incorporate an independent horizon scanning activity. [...] A horizon scanning and early assessment program will need to work closely with not only consumers and clinicians, but health services and stewards, to understand the pathways of care and the investments across the care pathway to ensure equitable access and efficient resourcing. [...] acknowledge that to transition to a system focusing on the appropriateness of the referral over the profession of the referrer, which optimises health care for patients in terms of cost and access, ‘will require a well co-ordinated, effective and efficient referral system that facilitates the evidence-based and linear transfer of care from one clinician to another within a highly interoperable and. [...] The availability and dissemination of information will also be a key barrier to introducing the ability of other health professionals to make referrals, and must be considered in the shifts to how referrals are made.