Early Intervention Initiatives to Support Healthy Ageing and Ongoing Management of Chronic Conditions - Phase 2 - Frailty

The Early Intervention Initiatives to Support Health Ageing and Ongoing Management of Chronic Conditions ("Early Intervention Project") - Phase 2 aims to support persons aged 65 years and over (55+ for individuals who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) in the Adelaide PHN region to live in the community for longer (including those not currently receiving aged care services). The Project through commissioning early intervention initiatives will promote healthy ageing, slow decline, and support the ongoing management of chronic conditions. The focus chronic condition for Phase 2 is those in the target patient population who are living with or at risk for frailty.

Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, including disability, falls, hospitalisation, and death. The Early Intervention Project Phase 2 will increase screening for frailty in people in the target patient population in a general practice setting. The project is a quality improvement sprint over 12 weeks (with some pre-sprint activities) and will involve a series of activities designed to raise awareness of frailty, increase the capacity of general practitioners and primary care nurses to identify and manage frailty, and support a minimum of 20 patients to make lifestyle changes that can reduce the impact of frailty on their health.

In 2022-23 FY, Adelaide PHN commissioned the phase 1 component of the Project activities and the commissioned service providers engaged in the project delivery were contracted until 30 June 2024.

Adelaide PHN has received additional funding to commission phase 2 of the Early Intervention Project and extend the Project activities until 30 June 2025. Phase 2 will build on the experiences and learnings from Phase 1.

Adelaide Primary Health Network (Adelaide PHN) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced General Practices to deliver the Early Intervention Project. Applications will be welcomed from all General Practices located in the Adelaide PHN region.

The Project requires General Practices, with the support of the Adelaide PHN practice facilitators and Adelaide PHN Commissioned Serviced Providers ("CSPs") to participate in continuous quality improvement activities that will aid the support of the identified target patient population.

The successful applicant(s) will be expected to commence participation in the Project on 1 November 2024.

Adelaide PHN is one of 31 independent organisations nation-wide that are funded by the Australian Government to coordinate and improve primary health care services in their local areas.

The Australian Government's objectives for Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are that they will:

- increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes; and

- improve coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Adelaide PHN's catchment area covers the Adelaide metropolitan area, reaching from Sellicks Hill to Angle Vale and from the foothills to the sea. It encompasses a community of some 1.2 million people.

Adelaide PHN aims to improve health outcomes for the community by commissioning services to address local needs. It is guided by community, clinical and stakeholder input.

For more information, please visit the Adelaide PHN website at www.adelaidephn.com.au. The website includes publications, resources, maps, population health data, and needs assessments for the Adelaide metropolitan area.

SUBMISSIONS: Completed responses must be submitted via the online application form. Respondents will receive a Successful Submission Receipt that will be timed and dated upon completion.