Patrick McGorry

The contemporary value-based healthcare (VBHC) movement provides an opportunity to not only reform health care towards a more equitable, community-centred system, but to also acknowledge, honour and learn from global Indigenous knowledge, systems, and ways of valuing knowing, being and doing. In a paper for the Australian Health Review, ‘An opportunity to transform Australia’s neo-colonial health system’ Dr Alicia Veasey highlights how there is increasing interest and urgency to significantly reorientate health systems from the current neoliberal, clinician-centric system to one that privileges consumer and communities at all levels, to enable holistic, place-based approaches through value-based healthcare (VBHC). Dr Veasey contends that neo-colonial health institutions struggle with the profound meaning and implementation of this shift, while Indigenous communities across the world continue their ancient work of community-led health care centred on connection to Mother Earth, Country, community, and holistic interconnected social and emotional wellbeing. Yet, Australia’s neo-colonial health system systemically harms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. To succeed in efforts to implement equitable, sustained VBHC, the foundations and ongoing impacts of settler-colonialism and neoliberalism on which the Australian health care system is built must be acknowledged. Without recognition of Australia’s shared colonial history through truth-telling, treaty, and solidary with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the health system even through a VBHC approach, cannot effectively serve all Australian people and communities. We, as health system leaders, must be silent, listen, and reflect on what authentic relationality through treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Nations can mean for the Australian health system and for the realisation of VBHC. You can read the full paper by Dr Veasey in May’s VBHC edition of the Australian Health Review, here: https://lnkd.in/gvXU2C3g

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Explore the imperative of cultural competence in NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) care and discover practical strategies for meeting the diverse needs of participants. https://lnkd.in/e55PjUMW From recognising cultural nuances to fostering inclusivity, this article delves into key considerations and actionable steps for enhancing understanding and respect in healthcare delivery. #CulturalCompetence #NDIS #Inclusivity #HealthEquity #DiversityandInclusion

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Home aged care provider Silverchain Group has partnered with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) to develop a new framework to help in-home aged care providers implement technology-supported services. In what is thought to be the first guidelines specifically for older people and the aged care workforce in the Australian in-home aged care setting, the framework has been informed by several studies conducted at Silverchain. #ehealth #healthit #digitalhealth #PulseIT

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I feel privileged to attend and contribute to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Primary Care Conference held in Canberra this week, along with colleagues from the Department, Primary Health Networks, government-recognised peak bodies, and leaders from primary care. The theme this year is “one health system in partnership”. Indeed, no one can and no one should do this alone. It is about all hands on deck - all disciplines genuinely working together to improve health system capacity, efficiency and productivity. The Department Secretary Blair Comley rightly pointed out the 4 key areas of focus: 1. Pivot to prevention and early intervention 2. Achieving health equity 3. Leverage health technology and digitisation 4. System integration Community pharmacies and pharmacist services across areas of practice can contribute to a stronger primary care system. As articulated in the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Pharmacists in 2030 visionary roadmap, as our population ages, pharmacists can make significant contribution in medicine stewardship, medicine safety, and improved patient access to care. Our GP colleagues are highly trained and respected, and their practices should be empowered to build capacity. This should include funding to enable collaborative multidisciplinary team care consistent with community needs. This should include pharmacists actively contributing to improving medicine governance and alignment with achieving the aims of the National Medicines Policy. Systems must be in place to enable improved integration of services of pharmacies and pharmacists with GPs and other primary care providers. The Pharmacy profession is ready, and continues to work with our GP, nursing and allied health colleagues to strengthen team based care across areas of practice. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Steve Morris Debbie Rigby Deborah Hawthorne Brooke Shelly Helen Benson The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey Monique Mackrill The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Australian Medical Association Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Penny Shakespeare Anita Hobson-Powell Mark Roddam Andrew Hollo

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Our National Palliative Care Steering Group have designed a short survey so we can hear from New Zealanders who have used palliative services for adults (aged over 24 years), either for themselves or a loved one, in the last five years, and people working in the health sector with an interest in palliative care. All responses will help us to understand what’s important to people as we develop nationally consistent models of adult palliative and end-of-life care services. Have your say Five-ten minutes is all it takes to tell us what: ·       works well ·       doesn’t work well ·       you think are priorities for change. The survey includes the services provided by GPs, community services, aged residential care facilities, hospitals, and hospices. Share the poster or link You’re encouraged to share this survey with friends, whānau and colleagues who may like to share their experiences. This confidential and anonymous survey is open to anyone in New Zealand until Friday 31 May 2024. Responses will be read by members of Health NZ’s Palliative Care Working Groups. General themes will be shared more widely, including on our website from July 2024. No personal information will be collected or shared. More information Find out more about our National Palliative Care Work Programme on our website National Palliative Care Work Programme – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora To join our stakeholder list and receive updates on our palliative care work programme, email your contact details to [email protected] https://lnkd.in/gbi7yG6d

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And the stories keep coming. Jacqui Grant reprieves her experience of working with both NDIS Participants and Providers, through the fumbling first steps, to the increasing frequency of major stumbles and into the current debacle of a system that seems to have just completely failed. The NDIS is in crisis. Now is not the time to redesign it. Crisis management requires stabilisation and stabilisation generally requires shutting down things that hurt. What is hurting right now is not the long term budget. What is hurting right now is the endless line of participants who have been denied supports that expert clinicians tell them are necessary. What is hurting right now is another endless line of providers being held to ransom by an agency that can no longer deliver on its most fundamental obligations to pay bills. What is hurting right now is a community of maybe three to five million stakeholders in the NDIS who are threatened with even more chaos, thrown at them in the name of "system improvement". We have been accused of catastrophising. We most definitely are not. Miriam-Webster dictionary says is catastrophising to imagine the worst possible outcome of an action or event: to think about a situation or event as being a catastrophe or having a potentially catastrophic outcome. We're not imagining the worst. We are living it. #SendaMessageToBill, #SendaMessageToAlbo, It's time for a #NDISRoyalCommission. Seriously. They are listening. We just need to turn up the volume. Share the hell out of this and every other related post. #JustDoIt. Anthony Albanese Jordon Steele-John Simon Holmes à Court Monique Ryan Zali Steggall OAM MP Allegra Spender Kylea Tink, Kate Chaney MP, Zoe Daniel Dr Sophie Scamps MP Dr Helen Haines David Pocock Deb Leonard Rebekha Sharkie Andrew Wilkie MP Dai Le MP Kate Thwaites Libby Coker MP, Richard Marles, Senator Larissa Waters, Bridget Archer, Amanda Rishworth Hollie Hughes Marie J. Tony Ridley, MSc CSyP FSyI SRMCPSamantha Connor Georgia van Toorn Vinod Ralh Annette A. Tara Hannon Mark Sweeney Graham Taylor Ruth Toomey Amanda Challen👩‍🦼 Nick Avery Paul Flintoft Shirley Humphris Cat Walker Peter Gregory https://lnkd.in/gf6b4XAU

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"NDIS TASKFORCE EXPOSES PROVIDERS RIPPING OFF NDIS PARTICIPANTS   The Albanese Government is continuing to crack down on unfair participant pricing with the NDIS Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law Taskforce (The Taskforce) receiving almost 3,000 complaints since its inception.   The Taskforce is a collaboration between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission), and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) – yielding positive results after less than a year of operation.   Since its establishment in December 2023, the Taskforce has received and triaged more than 2,800 reports, with the majority of these (2,456) focused on matters related to pricing.   The NDIS Commission has referred 34 consumer related matters to the ACCC’ for further regulatory response.   The NDIA has referred more than 140 businesses to the ACCC in relation to potential misconduct under Australian Consumer Law.   The ACCC is actively investigating multiple NDIS providers for contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law and anticipates taking public enforcement action in the near future.   Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, said the Taskforce was established to address NDIS providers charging higher prices for goods and services to NDIS participants compared to people not on the NDIS.   “We’re targeting the predatory providers and businesses who think they can take advantage of people with disability simply because they receive NDIS funding,” said Minister Shorten.   “That kind of behaviour is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.   “If someone is on the NDIS, they should not be paying a different price for any product or service than anyone else unless there’s a very good reason.   “The Taskforce is effectively identifying and addressing misconduct, and ensuring every possible dollar in the NDIS is being used to support people with disability.”   To date, the NDIS Commission has resolved more than 85% of the pricing-related matters, sending out warning letters and educating providers about their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct.   To strengthen the work of the Taskforce, the NDIS Commission has also developed a set of digital resources designed to ensure that participants understand their rights and that providers are aware of their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct.   Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh said the common issues identified by the Taskforce include false or misleading advertising of NDIS goods and services, providers not adhering to consumer guarantee laws, unfair contract terms, and providers wrongly accepting payment or charging for goods or services not supplied." Full press release below: https://lnkd.in/gMnWH7YZ

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Unleash the full potential of LinkedIn to drive your NDIS provider services forward. 🚀 Join us for an exclusive two-hour Masterclass that's set to elevate your online presence and networking capabilities. 💼🌐 This live session is packed with actionable strategies to enhance your influence within the NDIS sphere. Ready to transform your LinkedIn profile? 🖥️✨ Comment the word "ELEVATE" below for the link to this can't-miss event. Secure your spot now and start connecting with industry leaders today. #ProvidersMarketing #MarketingTips #NDISProviders #NDIS #DigitalMarketing #SocialMediaTip #SocialMediaManagement #SEO #WebsiteManagement #SocialMediaMarketing #NDISAustralia #NDISMarketing #NDISSupport #AffordableMarketing #ImpactfulMarketing #SimplifiedStrategies #MarketingDigital #ContentCreation #EmailMarketing #Coaching

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Wow. We all missed that one. Only funds for impairments you had at “time of access” to the NDIS. Really? That is crazy. The support you need is based on today. Not how you were aged 12. “The Bill further declares that participants can only access supports for the impairments identified at the point of access to the NDIS – not emerging or acquired disabilities, which are frequently experienced by people living in PCC. Thirdly, the Bill introduces mandatory assessments to the NDIS, for the first time. All current participants will be re-assessed for eligibility for NDIS supports. There is as yet, no clear process by which to appeal an assessment [6]. The Bill would enable assessment scores to be fed into an algorithm to generate a budget – you may recall this approach was previously dubbed robo-planning [7]. Currently, advocates are calling for the assessment process and the ‘method’ for budget setting, be more established prior to changing the legislation.”

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Recently Bollen Health and Adelaide PHN held the third and final in the series on early intervention for #HealthyAgeing Workshops. Eight very engaged General Practice teams (GP, Nurse and Practice Managers) reflected on their achievements after 8 weeks of learning to screen for people living with frailty in age group 40-70. The big surprise was the prevalence of frailty/prefrailty in 40-49 age group! Wonderful to have Exercise Physiologist Sidney Vanderzalm from Adelaide Exercise Physiology to share knowledge on how resistance exercises are so important to change the trajectory of ageing. An important take home message was how prevalent the use of smart watches, apps and fitness trackers are with 40-70yo age group. This can support the assessment, measurement and motivation of patients for activities. All clinicians can help their patients better understand the use of technology to improve their lifestyle habits. Gamifying and socializing activity helps people initiate and sustain the changes. Engagement with the community on this topic in #GeneralPractice improves with the use of better language such as “Muscle Health Checks” rather than “#Frailty screening” and offering objective assessment of #musclehealth such as grip strength, timed sit to stands and walking speed tests. Bollen Health and Adelaide PHN will be working with General Practices on this Quality Improvement topic again in 2025. Expressions of interest will be called for later this year.

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Health education For any health professionals (especially those working in rural areas and hard to reach sectors) the need for appropriate, recognised and NZ specific educational resources remains a challenge. If you haven't come across the MobileHealth education webinars I would highly recommend checking these out. Freely accessible (just register to access ) and these are supported by MoH and professionally presented from a range of health professionals with topical issues and clinical subjects covered. https://lnkd.in/ghBK3ZB7

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📣 Breaking News OFFICIAL NDIA statement on music and art therapy: "...In line with the legislation the Agency is updating its guidance to participants. A new Operational Guideline relating to therapy supports will be released on 2 December that clarifies: NDIS participants will continue to have access to music and art therapy. From 1 February 2025 how participants access music and art therapy will change. Participants will be able to access these supports through two different ways through their community participation budget: At a 1 to 1 rate of $67.56 an hour when delivered by a registered provider. At a group rate of $193.99 an hour when delivered to a minimum of 4 participants by a registered provider. This will support participants to have greater opportunities for inclusion and participation in the community. Participants and providers can continue with current arrangements until 1 February when the changes to the price guide come into effect. Participants who have art or music therapy stated in their plan, because it is reasonable and necessary and based on evidence in their specific circumstances, can continue to access supports at the higher rate. While art and music therapy remain permissible, they do not meet the evidentiary standards required to be classified as a ‘therapy’ under the definition of NDIS supports. The allowable NDIS list includes ‘evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living. This includes an assessment by health professionals for support planning and review as required’. Therapy (for example psychology or occupational therapy) is paid at a higher rate than many other activities funded through the NDIS. We understand that the evidence base in relation to art and music therapy is continuing to be developed, as it relates to disability-related support. In recognition of this the NDIA is referring art and music therapy to be assessed by the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (NDIS EAC)..." Full statement below: https://lnkd.in/ekimdtDS

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Seeking Health Board Essentials Program Facilitators The VHA is seeking proposals from dynamic and engaging facilitators with a deep understanding of the role of Board Director for health service providers in Victoria, to deliver one or more Health Board Essentials modules in line with their professional experience and background. The Health Board Essentials program provides Victorian health care provider board members (new, current and future), with the essential skills needed to make an active contribution to their organisations and the sector. Comprised of six modules, this program offers participants the opportunity to gain unique insights into the important role board members play in the health system and to better understand: - The Victorian health system context in which health service providers operate; - Corporate governance obligations; - Risk concepts and context; - Clinical governance obligations; - Finance fundamentals; and - Governance requirements in partnering with consumers. The six program modules are delivered online in two-hour modules. An overview of the program, scope of the proposal, and required content is available on the link: https://ow.ly/fbYf50SA2L7 Questions regarding the proposal opportunity should also be emailed to Helen Rizzoli via [email protected]

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Incredible article - from very many viewpoints. The highlights of the budget for NDIS is: “Better advice: $45.5 million to establish an NDIS evidence advisory committee. A Clearer Pathway: $20.0 million to start preliminary consultation and design work to help people with disability navigate services. Fresh approach to pricing: $5.3 million to undertake preliminary work to reform NDIS pricing arrangements. Architecture to implement reforms: Co-design and fighting fraud $213.8 million of recently announced funding to fight fraud.

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📣 Breaking News on the #NDIS "Bill Shorten MP has today released the final lists of what NDIS participants can and cannot spend their funding on.  The lists will provide much needed clarity and certainty to participants and providers. This is the first time this list has been reviewed since the commencement of the NDIS and updates current guidelines and practices. The lists will come into effect from 3 October 2024 and make it easier for participants to identify what is appropriately funded by the NDIS, and what NDIS funding can be used to purchase.  There is also a substitution list which will allow participants to request a replacement support in cases where a standard household item might be able to provide better outcomes and value. This is part of the amendments introduced under the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill No. 1 which passed Parliament in August.  The lists include items that are NDIS supports and items that are not NDIS supports. Importantly, some participants who need specific household items or assistive technology to live their life will still be able to access these items through these lists.  The lists were finalised following significant month-long public consultation, with the Department of Social Services, which undertook the consultation, receiving 6,180 survey responses, 919 email responses and 120 submissions from organisations and peak bodies. The lists are based on existing guidance, so in most cases there is unlikely to be any change to the supports a person is currently using.  Importantly, there will be a ‘transition period’ for the first year of the new NDIS supports lists to ensure participants aren’t penalised for simple mistakes.  Specifically, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will continue to work with participants and take an educative approach, for example: if a participant purchases a support which is not funded, but if someone continues to claim for things which are not NDIS Supports, despite them being provided with information and advice, remedial action will be taken. Importantly, participants can continue to access stated supports in their plans, as well as supports found to be reasonable and necessary by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, even if these are now on the excluded list. “We now have a central place, set in law, where NDIS participants, their families, carers and providers can go to see what they can use their NDIS funds for,” Minister Shorten said. “While there have been administrative guidelines previously, we have made it much easier for participants and providers to understand what funding can and can’t be spent on. Full statement below: https://lnkd.in/gn8W43WX

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4 a better NDIS The recent NDIS price review is a devastating setback for people with disabilities and the providers who support them. Barriers to high intensity support payments, yet again no increase for support coordination & therapy prices, and flawed cost models threaten essential services. Participants are vulnerable and providers are on the brink. We call on the NDIA to Reinstate loading for all registered providers of at least 1%. #4abetterNDIS #NDISReform #SupportPeopleWithDisabilities #SupportNDISregisteredproviders

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