GPs invited to assist in the hospital quality improvement initiative: Discharge Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes project
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) in collaboration with The Victorian Department of Human Services/Victorian Drug Usage Evaluation Group and other state-based QUM groups is undertaking a national quality improvement initiative to optimise the discharge management of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in hospitals.
The Discharge Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes (DMACS) project aims to improve management of ACS at the point of discharge following an ACS event, with a focus on optimising
The DMACS project has commenced with a baseline data collection phase of current practice in 55 hospitals across Australia; this will be followed by a hospital-based education intervention phase and a follow-up data collection in late 2009.
The Melbourne Health, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, John Fawkner Hospital and The Epworth Hospital has commenced the DMACS project and is currently reviewing discharge management of 50 patients admitted with ACS. From now until September 2008, the hospital will undertake a fax or postal survey of approximately 50 GPs at 10-14 days after their patients are discharged. Patients will also be participating in a telephone survey 3 months after discharge. The GP survey will be sent to the patient’s nominated GP, to obtain GPs’ opinions on the quality and details of the information they received from the admitting hospital/s. GPs within your Melbourne DGP may therefore receive a survey for completion.
If you receive a survey, we would appreciate a few minutes of your time to complete this and return it to the participating hospital/s. Your responses will be used to assist the hospital/s in improving their discharge communication processes with GPs and patients. For further information about this project please contact Kylie McIntosh, State project coordinator on 03 9096 9038 or e-mail Kylie.McIntosh@dhs.vic.gov.au.
