Reasons behind 'Fail to attend' (FTA) are complex, including miscommunication, difficulties in travelling, distrust of services “particularly those provided away from home“ and other factors.
Across the remote South West, there are significantly high rates of complex, chronic conditions “including cancer, heart disease and diabetes“ and these issues are intensified in First Nations people. This is a joint project between South West HHS and Darling Downs Health, with an initial focus on First Nations residents. Originally initiated at the request by the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health.
Through a wraparound approach towards person-centred care, patients can be supported and encouraged to travel and keep their appointments “ensuring better engagement and management of conditions, improved wellbeing and overall outcomes."
This joint project, initiated March 2023, supports First Nations residents in Cunnamulla and surrounding communities attend their appointments at the Toowoomba Base Hospital, approximately 650Km from home. Effective July 2023, the initiative was also expanded to Charleville and surrounds.
Weekly collaborative meetings between Toowoomba and South West colleagues, ensure scheduled client needs and preferences are fully understood and supporting clinicians are kept informed.
This end-to-end approach also includes follow ups to discuss patient experiences, confirm next steps in their care and help with travel claims. Feedback is shared between teams to improve local services and, where appropriate, follow up appointments are converted to Telehealth, enabling the South West team to support people closer to home.
