The program allowed patients to get the care they needed when GP availability was limited.
A nurse-led pilot program delivering chronic disease management has been expanded in regional NSW after positive results.
Led by the Murrumbidgee PHN, the program saw 25 nurses provide care for chronic respiratory diseases, chronic heart failure, diabetes, First Nations preventive health, and healthy ageing in residential facilities across 18 GP clinics in Wagga Wagga and surrounds from October 2024 to May 2025.
As a result of the program:
- 18 general practices developed individual models of care specific to their community, provided to 252 patients;
- 78% of patients booked follow-up appointments, ensuring continuity of care;
- there were life-saving early interventions, including the detection of a cardiac abnormality in a young patient;
- participating practices reported that the model was sustainable in their setting.
The PHN has been commissioned to run the program again, this time in 28 practices.
“This initiative demonstrates how nurse-led care can provide access to timely treatment for patients while allowing GPs to focus their time on complex and acute cases,” said Professor Liz Halcomb, chair of nursing in the community faculty of the Australian College of Nursing.
Related
The program offered a complementary source of healthcare for patients with chronic conditions in an area where GP appointment availability may be limited. Many of these patients would otherwise visit emergency departments for routine care or may forgo care altogether, according to the ACN.
“The pilot highlights the potential of the 40% of nurses who work outside the hospital system to take on expanded roles if supported by appropriate funding reforms,” said the college.
“Research by the University of Wollongong has shown many primary care nurses are currently underutilised, despite their capacity to deliver high-quality patient care.”