CareTeam has been proven in medical trials to efficiently enhance patient care while reducing in-person interactions
Prostate Cancer Trial
Background
With nearly half a million Australians living with cancer, including 150,000 new cases diagnosed annually, cancer survivorship is increasingly pertinent. Prostate cancer, for instance, sees 18,000 new diagnoses yearly. However, follow-up pathways, particularly for prostate cancer, face challenges due to limited hospital resources and a lack of robust shared-care models for transitioning patients back to community GPs.
Since 2017, Western Health (WH) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) have pioneered a nurse-led shared-care model for prostate cancer follow-up, allowing patients to be co-managed by their GPs. Despite its success, this model struggles to meet demands due to its labor-intensive nature and limited real-time information exchange.
Trial
Our project aims to pilot an innovative digital care model for prostate cancer survivors, involving hospital-based specialists, community GPs, and utilising the steera platform. Originally designed for hepatitis C treatment collaboration between specialists and GPs, steera will be repurposed as a sustainable and scalable solution for prostate cancer shared care.
Collaborators
Funded by a $3M MRFF partnership between WH, steera, PCFA, Urology Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), Northwest Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWPHN), and The University of Melbourne, this 36-month project aims to develop a platform not only for safe transition of prostate cancer survivors back to the community but also for sustainable cancer management solutions.
Outcomes
Trial completion is currently scheduled for 31 December 2024.
Hepatitis C Trial
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant health concern globally and in Australia, leading to complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, causing high healthcare costs and morbidity. Traditional treatments for HCV were limited due to drug toxicity and specialist access. In 2015, the Australian Government allocated $1 billion for highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, achieving near 100% success rates with minimal side effects.
Trial
HealthELink, now known as steera, was developed to assist less experienced prescribers, such as GPs, in making accurate treatment decisions based on evidence. It facilitated communication between GPs and specialist clinicians/nurses, enabling real-time approval of treatment plans or prompt responses to enquiries.
Collaborators
The initiative involved collaboration with 8 tertiary hospitals, 2 prisons, and 61 GPs across 4 States and Territories, successfully treating 271 patients with outcomes comparable to specialist-led care.
Outcomes
Recognised with accolades such as the 2017 Don Walker Australian Digital Health Community Award and the 2018 Industry Innovation Award NT.