RDN delivers Innovative Models of Care presentation at National Conference

Last week, RDN’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Edwards, travelled to Perth, Western Australia to deliver a presentation about Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) at the 2024 National Rural Health Conference.  
 
The presentation was delivered in conjunction with the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Assistant Secretary, Louise Clarke, and gave an overview of why innovation is required in rural and remote areas. The presentation touched on the IMOC Program’s objectives and intended outcomes including its aim to attract and retain rural health professionals. 

Mr Edwards and Ms Clarke also spoke about current IMOC trials, evaluation findings and concluded by discussing the critical success factors recommended for communities to successfully co-design and implement new innovative models of care. These included, amongst other things, integrating trial activities with local health and community social services, strong community engagement, strong governance, a whole of health team support for the trial and community education. 

Mr Edwards said there is increased success when community and all stakeholders are equals in the co-design process.

“Patients experience better health outcomes when they are engaged in their own health, have improved access to care, and less treatment delays.” 

Learn more:

• Learn more about the IMOC Program here.
• Learn more about the trials here
• download the Program’s Fact Sheet here.