Moe After Hours Medical Service: 'pillars' of success

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and explore the factors that are crucial to the successful operation of rural after-hours medical services. It sought to determine the attributes that contribute toward the successful operation of after-hours medical services in rural towns. It drew on computer-assisted telephone interviews with stakeholders, and operational, demographic and financial data. The findings were brought together and analysed within an integrated framework for the guidance of policy makers. In a rural setting, the most important factors for a successful after-hours medical service are related to, 'place', 'process', 'people' and 'time'. These need to be integrated through effective management of relationships.

The organisation of out-of-hours primary care in OECD countries

“…In some case, the authors find cost savings associated with the use of ECPs. There is evidence in Australia that paramedics are playing a growing role, especially in small rural communities (O'Meara et al, 2002). They are becoming first-line primary health care providers and have the capacity to facilitate a higher quality of emergency health system for communities in remote areas.…”

Introducing soft systems methodology plus (SSM+): why we need it and what it can contribute

“…However, it has not been widely implemented and remains relatively unknown in health care. Indeed, we could find no reference to it in the Medical Journal of Australia, and only one report of its use has appeared in the Australian Health Review -coincidentally, in this issue (O'Meara & Strasser, 2002).…”