Table 1.
Key features of clinical networks
| Feature | NSW clinical network | WA health network |
|---|---|---|
|
Established |
2009 (developing to mature network) |
2006 (mature network) |
|
Goal |
To advise the NSW Ministry of Health on how best to improve services for people in NSW with musculoskeletal disorders. |
To provide advice and direction on where and how services should be delivered for West Australian people with musculoskeletal conditions. |
|
Number of members |
92 core members (170 on email list) |
34 (500 on email list) |
|
Governance |
NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation |
WA Department of Health, Networks Branch, Division of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer |
|
Network structure |
Network |
Network, Executive Advisory Group |
| Working Groups and Sub-Groups |
Working Groups |
|
|
Focus |
Musculoskeletal disease |
Musculoskeletal health – the right care, at the right time, in the right place, by the right team. |
|
Network leader |
2 specialist clinician co-chairs |
Currently a network manager (Health Networks Branch, Dept. of Health); previously a Clinical Lead. |
|
Network management |
Network manager and 2 officers |
Network manager (and Branch support) |
|
Membership |
Physician and surgical specialists, GPs, nurses, allied health, consumers, NGOs, researchers and academics, policy analysts, health service managers, NSW Clinical Excellence Commission, Medicare Locals, Health Education and Training Institute. |
Physician and surgical specialists, GPs, allied health, nurses, consumers, carers, NGOs, Area Health Service health planners, WA Country Health Service, policy makers, researchers and academics. |
|
Joining network |
Contact network manager |
Online registration or direct contact. |
|
Funding |
Through NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, specific network funding. |
Through Department of Health, in overall Branch budget. |
|
Working Groups |
• Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program |
• Osteoporosis Model of Care |
| • Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention |
• Spinal Pain Model of Care |
|
| • Paediatric Rheumatology |
• Inflammatory Arthritis Model of Care |
|
| • Elective Joint Replacement Guideline | ||
| • Curriculum Development on Osteoporosis for Junior Doctors |
• Elective Joint Replacement Service Model of Care |
|
| • Musculoskeletal Nurse Graduate Certificate Development | • Others established as needed. |