Integrated services pathways (ISP): a best practice model.

Under the National Demonstration Hospitals Program, Phase 3 (NDHP3), Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) developed a best practice model for integrating acute care services with primary and community services. The project methodology included the examination of existing literature, involvement of consumers and other key stakeholders and the application of contemporary change and project management practices. Common elements were identified from four NDHP3 clinical service enhancement projects--aged care, cardiac surgical gastroenterology and orthopaedic services. The generic elements were transferred to the model. FMCs approach focused on developing a generic model that could be applied to clinical programs in a range of acute care settings. Although a number of barriers were encountered, the NDHP3 experience has shown that integration can be improved at the clinical program level without changing financial and management structures.