Ambulatory Care

The term 'ambulatory care' is defined as non-inpatient or non-admitted care. This care can be provided in a health care setting or a patients' home.

The Guiding Principles for Ambulatory Care in HNE Health are:

1. Services are delivered in the most convenient location for patients and in a caring, efficient and timely way
2. Patients, families, carers and communities are partners in the service.
3. Care is evidence-based and continuously improving
4. The elements of care are integrated and coordinated
5. Care is supported by appropriate technology
6. There is a focus on preventative healthcare
7. Resources are used wisely and services are appropriately funded.
8. There is strong leadership
9. There is support for staff and their ongoing education and training.

The Service Principles for Ambulatory Care in HNE are:

1. The service profile is clear. The service agrees on who they see and who they don't see. Alternatives are identified.
2. The service profile fits the needs of the population.
3. Referral pathways are clear
4. Clinical prioritisation/triage processes are appropriate and clear
5. There are discharge or transfer of care criteria for the service
6. There is a waitlist that is confirmed and managed.
7. There is a clear process for development of new services
8. There is a clinical governance process in place that allows regular review of the quality of the service.
9. There is appropriate allocation of time for booked patients and for more urgent cases. Scheduling must also incorporate time for teaching.
10. There are processes for communication of information between clinicians and patients, families and carers.

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