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Telephone-based counselling services
Between 2005 and 2008 funding was provided to develop and implement services to help patients better manage their health conditions. This supports the implementation of the Queensland Strategy for Chronic Disease 2005–2015.
COACH Program
The COACH Program is an evidence-based, telephone-based coaching model that targets avoidable admissions to public hospitals using 13 HEALTH infrastructure. 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a 24 hour a day phone line for all Queenslanders where qualified staff give confidential and supportive advice to help take the worry out of health concerns.
The purpose of this initiative is to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce avoidable admissions to hospital by empowering people to manage their health and health care after they have been discharged from a public hospital. Referral is made by clinical staff.
Registered nurses call the person every four to six weeks, over a 6–12 month period. The calls aim to provide information, education and training on specific health conditions, underlying risk factors, health targets and treatment. An introductory letter and progress updates are sent to the patient and their GP.
The service is primarily aimed at people who have been discharged from public hospitals with a cardiovascular condition. It is particularly suited to patients who are unlikely to access a face-to-face cardiac rehabilitation program, such as those who live long distances from health services.
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