The PHN Program Performance and Quality Framework (PQF) aims to consider how the broad range of activities and functions delivered by Primary Health Networks (PHNs) contribute towards achieving the PHN Program’s objectives.
In 2018, the Commonwealth Department of Health (DoH) introduced a suite of 55 indicators under the Program Performance and Quality Framework that will be used to assess progress towards achieving the outcomes of the PHN Program. The baseline year for these indicators is 2018-2019.
This will require PHNs to undertake a detailed assessment of their capability to provide good quality robust data and information against each of the PQF’s 55 indicators. The PHNs data capability assessment can be undertaken by a QAS International consultant, based on accessible information within a limited time period. The detailed indicator assessment will also need to consider:
- the actual achievement of the associated performance criteria and possibilities regarding performance dashboard metrics to track performance progress; and
- opportunities for quality improvement activities to assist relevant data management.
There are a total of 55 indicators that will be used by DoH. All the indicators will be used to measure the performance of the PHN Program as a whole.
There are 40 indicators that will be used for individual PHN assessment, according to the outcome themes which DoH will use, as part of the individual PHN assessment process. PHNs will need to be able to demonstrate that they have established:
- a benchmark indicator data capability, by individual PHN assessment outcome theme; and
- a capability assessment for each indicator.
There are an additional 15 indicators which will be not be used for individual PHN performance assessment. For nearly all of these 15 indicators DoH will be accessing and using data from other external agencies (eg AIHW) and only some PHN provided data (eg number of general practices) will be used to undertake calculations for the purposes of the performance criteria. So, for these indicators, PHNs will need to consider if they want to proactively seek out the same data sources as DoH to make their own PQF assessments, or wait for what DoH collates and address any subsequent concerns through the PQF feedback process which will be established.
DoH Primary Health Networks Programme Complaints Policy
- The background to this is that the DoH Primary Health Networks Programme Complaints Policy requires PHNs and their contracted service providers to have a “robust Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures in place and have that on the website as well as having a link to the Department of Health Primary Health Network Programme Complaints Policy”; and
- There is a new International Standard ISO 10002:2018 Quality management – Customer satisfaction – Guidelines for complaints handling in organizations
QAS International is Here to Help
QAS International has been working with PHNs from the time that they were established, and before that with
Medicare Locals, and before that with Divisions of General Practice, so we know the industry well and can provide valuable professional assistance to PHNs in meeting their PQF and complaints handling obligations.
If you’d like more information, or to request a Quick Quote please use the form to the right and one of our consultants will contact you within one business day. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact us directly on 1800 676 910 or by emailing contact@qasinternational.com.
References:
- PHN Program Performance and Quality Framework
- PHN Program Performance and Quality Framework – PHN Support Manual
- PHN Program Performance and Quality Framework Appendix A – Program Logics
- PHN Program Performance and Quality Framework Appendix B – Indicator Specifications
- PHN Program Complaints Policy
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements
- ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Guidelines
- ISO 19011:2018 Quality Management System Auditing Guidelines
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System requirements
- Bilateral Agreements between the Commonwealth and States and Territories,
- Funding Contracts with the Commonwealth
- Service Level Agreements/contracts with commissioned Health Professionals
- Agreements with Medical Practices
- Lean Six Sigma
