LINCS to better disease management
A new chronic disease management program in Queensland is aiming to set new benchmarks in care outcomes.
Integral in the development of the LINCS program (from left) are Blue Care’s Regional Community Care Manager, Vicki Plummer; LINCS care coordinator, Liz Nunan; and Toowoomba Community Care Manager, Donna Hart
An organisation behind a new chronic disease program in Queensland hopes that it will set new benchmarks in the way illnesses are managed.
The LINCS (Linking Chronic Disease Services) program aims to improve the quality of life and reduce the need for hospital based care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and type II diabetes.
“Chronic disease and its impact of Australia is becoming a growing concern for governments and health industry professionals, particularly as our population is ageing,” said Blue Care Executive Director, Stephen Muggleton.
“About 75 per cent of our community clients suffer from three or more chronic conditions at any one time and with this percentage expected to increase so does the [need] for community co-ordinated programs like this one.”
Clients taking part in the new program will be allocated a care coordinator from Blue Care or another organisation.
The care coordinators will assess client care needs, monitor and update patient records and be the central communication point for service providers using a targeted software solution.
“This program is the first time health professionals and clients have come together, utilising software that has been specially developed, to provide integrated care for people with chronic disease in hospital and at home.”
Funding has been provided over two years from the Queensland Strategy for Chronic Disease through The Toowoomba and Darling Downs Primary Health Care Partnership Council.
