CMA Nurse Pilot Project
Heather Campbell, Residential Aged Care 19 December 07
The aim of this pilot is to determine a consistent, workable and regional approach for nurses undertaking CMAs in Aged Care Facilities, on behalf of GPs.
The ultimate goal is to enhance the clinical care of residents resulting in optimal health outcomes. The pilot project is utilising the expertise of Division One nurses (some practice nurses, and a nurse employed by BDDGP), and will continue until mid February 2008.
BDDGP, together with four aged care facilities, Kelaston, BHS Wendouree (all sites), Nazareth House and BHS Sebastopol (all sites) and participating General Practitioners and Practice Nurses have all been engaged in the planning process.
Progress to date includes:
- identifying the requirements for secure information gathering, documentation and transfer
- determining how the CMA nurse can most efficiently undertake work in all facilities
- identifying responsibility for costs incurred
- how the project can best be promoted
- developing a standardised flow chart, templates and reports
- reviewing issues encountered, anticipated and how to address these
- developing an evaluation process
So far, 44 residents across all facilities involved, have been referred by the participating GPs for assessment by CMA nurses and it is anticipated that 60 or so residents will be assessed during the pilot project.
The project will be evaluated pre and post trial, by identifying the rate and use of MBS items, the clinical picture of the residents being assessed and a survey of the General Practitioners involved.
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2007/12/cma-pilot
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