Evaluating the implementation of a digital coordination centre in an Australian hospital setting: a mixed method...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Coordination centres show potential for improving healthcare delivery.
• Evidence on effective implementation of coordination centres in Australia is limited.
• This study addresses the need for context-specific implementation data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new Digital Coordination Centre (DCC) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).
• To assess the effectiveness of DCC implementation in the Australian healthcare context.
• To identify factors influencing successful implementation and inform continuous improvement.

Main Methods:

• A mixed methods study employing a two-stage evaluation approach.
• Process evaluation to understand DCC design and implementation factors.
• Outcome evaluation to assess short and medium-term impacts on metrics like emergency department boarding and length of stay.
• Utilisation of implementation science theories to analyze change processes.
• Data collection through interviews, project documentation, and observations.
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Main Results:

• Preliminary findings will clarify DCC design and implementation factors.
• Initial outcomes will be assessed for short and medium-term impacts.
• Continuous improvement will be supported through a developmental approach.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide crucial evidence on the implementation of Digital Coordination Centres in Australia.
• Findings will contribute to the broader understanding of healthcare coordination strategies.
• Results will inform future healthcare system improvements and policy development.