The application of the continuum of care model in the re-configuration of nutrition and dietetics services.
The continuum of health care model can be used to improve service delivery. Within a hospital setting, finite resources are available. Service gaps must be identified, priorities established and resources re-distributed to meet these gaps. Using Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) tools, barriers to change were identified and a plan for improvement was formulated. Areas receiving disproportionate resources were identified and a more even resource allocation adopted. In an illustration of the success of strategic change, core services were not only maintained but also showed improved efficiency. The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Wollongong and Port Kembla Hospitals achieved an increase in dietetic services through a reorientation of current resources.
Patch
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Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Wollongong Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Milosavljevic
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D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004046:Dietetics; D005521:Food Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D017749:Total Quality Management