Using Pragmatic Co-Design Processes in a Resource-Constrained Regional Health Service: Insights From the TROPICAL-VIC...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Palliative Care
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Metropolitan early palliative care models require adaptation for regional settings.
• Regional health services face unique challenges in delivering specialized care.
• Implementing evidence-based practices in diverse contexts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an evidence-informed, experience-based co-design process.
• To adapt metropolitan early palliative care referral models for a regional Australian health service.
• To develop a context-appropriate outpatient early referral model.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review identified relevant palliative care and early referral models.
• Evidence-informed, experience-based co-design workshops involved diverse stakeholders.
• A sequential mixed-methods study synthesized evidence and refined the model through iterative workshops.

Main Results:

• A regionally tailored early referral pathway was co-designed.
• The pathway included needs-based screening and prioritisation for capacity management.
• Adaptations highlighted resourcing disparities and equity implications in regional care delivery.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-informed co-design facilitated pragmatic adaptation of palliative care models.
• The developed approach is transferable to other rural and regional services.
• Co-design addresses the specific needs and constraints of regional healthcare settings.