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Exploring the spread and scale of a web-based clinical decision support portal in Sydney, Australia, during COVID-19: a case study

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Exploring the spread and scale of a web-based clinical decision support portal in Sydney, Australia, during COVID-19: a case study
Abstract
Purpose HealthPathways is an online decision support portal, primarily aimed at General Practitioners (GPs), that provides easy to access and up to date clinical, referral and resource pathways. It is free to access, with the intent of providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time. This case study focuses on the experience and learnings of a HealthPathways program in metropolitan Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reviews the team's program management responses and looks at key factors that have facilitated the spread and scale of HealthPathways. Design/methodology/approach Available data and experiences of two HealthPathways program managers were used to recount events and aspects influencing spread and scale. Findings The key factors for successful spread and scale are a coordinated response, the maturity of the HealthPathways program, having a single source of truth, high level governance, leadership, collaboration, flexible funding and ability to make local changes where required. Originality/value There are limited published articles on HealthPathways. The focus of spread and scale of HealthPathways during COVID-19 is unique.
Publication
Journal of Integrated Care
Date
2023-12-06
Volume
31
Issue
4
Pages
315-330
Journal Abbr
JICA
Accessed
7/6/25, 10:34 PM
ISSN
1476-9018
Short Title
Exploring the spread and scale of a web-based clinical decision support portal in Sydney, Australia, during COVID-19
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes

Study topic:

Mixed-methods study (surveys and qualitative interviews)

Study type:

Examination of the early implementation, uptake, and perceived value of HealthPathways across five Sydney Primary Health Networks.

Key findings:

  • Program A increased its number of localised pathways from 172 to 433 and monthly users from 191 to 840 between January 2020 and January 2022.
  • Monthly pageviews rose from 2,295 to 14,937 during the same period.
  • COVID-19 pathways were rapidly developed and shared across NSW, with Program A contributing the first “Pandemic Respiratory Illness” pathway, later adopted by 18 other sites.
  • Over 70 non-COVID pathways were developed in response to pandemic needs (e.g. mental health, palliative care, domestic violence).
  • HealthPathways was designated as the single source of truth for COVID-19 clinical guidance for GPs in NSW.
Citation
McGlynn, A., Ní Shé, É., Bennett, P., Liaw, S.-T., Jackson, T., & Harris-Roxas, B. (2023). Exploring the spread and scale of a web-based clinical decision support portal in Sydney, Australia, during COVID-19: a case study. Journal of Integrated Care, 31(4), 315–330. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-01-2023-0006