Case Study - Commonwealth Dept. of Health & Ageing #2
Client: Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing
Evaluation of Outback Eye Service
Summary
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing contracted Communio to conduct an evaluation of the Outback Eye Service (OES) - an ophthalmic service provided to the NSW outback communities, jointly funded by NSW Health and the Department of Health and Ageing.
This evaluation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the service and make recommendations regarding service improvements and future funding arrangements.
Approach
In undertaking the review Communio reviewed relevant literature, data, and stakeholder views. Communio undertook site visits to clinics in Bourke, Brewarrina and Lightning Ridge.
Stakeholder consultation was comprehensive with representatives of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, including key staff of Rural Health, Eye Health, the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, NSW Health, including Aboriginal Health, Statewide Services Development Branch and Statewide Ophthalmology Services and staff from South Eastern Illawarra Area Health Service and Greater Western Area Health Service.
Outcomes
The evaluation report has provided the Department of Health and Ageing with a comprehensive assessment of the current Outback Eye Service.
The report identified a number of strategies to strengthen the delivery of the service and enable managers and clinicians to effectively monitor and manage the service with its vital ophthalmic screening, assessment and treatment of people in rural Australia, particularly indigenous people.
Evaluation of Outback Eye Service
Summary
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing contracted Communio to conduct an evaluation of the Outback Eye Service (OES) - an ophthalmic service provided to the NSW outback communities, jointly funded by NSW Health and the Department of Health and Ageing.
This evaluation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the service and make recommendations regarding service improvements and future funding arrangements.
Approach
In undertaking the review Communio reviewed relevant literature, data, and stakeholder views. Communio undertook site visits to clinics in Bourke, Brewarrina and Lightning Ridge.
Stakeholder consultation was comprehensive with representatives of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, including key staff of Rural Health, Eye Health, the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, NSW Health, including Aboriginal Health, Statewide Services Development Branch and Statewide Ophthalmology Services and staff from South Eastern Illawarra Area Health Service and Greater Western Area Health Service.
Outcomes
The evaluation report has provided the Department of Health and Ageing with a comprehensive assessment of the current Outback Eye Service.
The report identified a number of strategies to strengthen the delivery of the service and enable managers and clinicians to effectively monitor and manage the service with its vital ophthalmic screening, assessment and treatment of people in rural Australia, particularly indigenous people.
