The current trial within CESPHN is an expansion of the project that was successfully piloted with general practices in the NWMPHN catchment between 2017-2019.
Following the successful pilot, the project partners received a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. The Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and UNSW have partnered to conduct a multi-site stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial. The trial is simultaneously being implemented in the North West Melbourne PHN region with the Royal Children’s Hospital
More Information about 2017-2019 pilot
Five general practices in the NWMPHN region were recruited and supported to take part in the pilot study between 2017–19.
Participating practices gained weekly access to an experienced Royal Children’s Hospital paediatrician for patient co-consultations. The paediatrician also gave a monthly case conference for health professionals at the practice. Practices were also able to access the paediatrician by phone and email for same-day advice.
Sustainability planning was completed in partnership between NWMPHN and the practices. Two practices have hired paediatricians, while others are exploring options for access to paediatric support and learning (for example: a webinar program).
Read our case study of Neal Street Medical Centre.
Watch the video below for more information.