Waiting times: the search for equitable solutions. Case study: Mater Misericordiae Adult Public Hospital Continuum of Care Model.

For the survival of any health care organisation, evidence-based practice is fundamental, particularly in today's economic climate. The Mater Misericordiae Adult Public Hospital in Brisbane is committed to providing a flexible health care system that is responsive and accountable to the needs of the customers. As part of the Mater's continuous quality improvement program, a Continuum of Care Service Delivery Model was developed. This model comprises many innovative clinical management systems which have evolved over recent years. Clinical pathways, care management, pre-admission clinics, variance management and evidence-based practice are core components of the model.