Developing an Integrated Service Planning Tool: Lessons Learnt from Planning the WSLHD Thoracic Oncology Program.

AIM

We aim to provide practical guidelines on how to develop integrated service plans that incorporate care provided by multiple specialties.

INTRODUCTION

Bringing specialties together to strategically plan future health service delivery is challenging. In Australia, collaboration between specialties is required to prepare for the introduction of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP). The purpose of this investigation is to provide practical guidelines on how to develop integrated service plans that incorporate care provided by multiple specialties.

DESCRIPTION

Collaborative planning was undertaken in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) to develop a WSLHD Thoracic Oncology Program Service Plan. The planning process included oversite by a steering committee, engagement of a range of stakeholders, a series of interviews, meetings and workshops, and the documentation of the strategies and actions required to implement the plan. The planning process was analysed to produce an Integrated Service Planning Tool (ISPT).

DISCUSSION

The ISPT includes five key enablers for the planning process: foster a strong culture of collaboration; establish strategic governance; identify a patient journey framework; conduct extensive and flexible stakeholder consultation; and formalise the plan with documentation of a roadmap. Key actions for each enabler translate the ideas into activities.

CONCLUSION

A culture of collaboration across specialties supports the development of an integrated service plan that encompasses the full patient journey. The ISPT provides a blueprint for overcoming a traditional siloed approach to service planning for diseases and conditions that require interdisciplinary care.