Clinical Networking for Regional, Rural and Remote Australia

Objective: To describe the development and implementation of a model for Clinical Networking across a large Health District in New South Wales, Australia and to identify principles of implementation and operation that will lead to successful clinical engagement and sustainability. Approach: This Clinical Network Program was developed and implemented based on network models in Australia and overseas. A series of formative evaluations were utilised to drive development and to ensure that the structure of the Clinical Networks program is appropriate to the organisation's and clinicians' needs. Outcomes: The implementation of this Clinical Networks Program has been successful in terms of meeting its aims of health professionals working together to facilitate timely and appropriate response to issues, promote evidence-based health care, develop capable competent staff and support innovation and research. There was a high degree of acceptance of the Clinical Networks Program as an organisational construct by both clinicians and managers. There is significant evidence of a large number of quality clinical practice changes that have improved patient care and experience being successfully implemented by the Clinical Networks and Streams. It is clear that over time, the Clinical Networks and Streams are becoming more effective. This is likely to continue with the guiding influence provided by the nine key success factors identified through evaluation. Conclusions: A successful model of Clinical Networks and Streams has been developed within a district level Health Service that is successful and supported by both clinicians and management.