Implementing HealthPathways across Queensland: a case study

Study topic
Evaluation of the implementation of HealthPathways across Queensland, Australia, as part of a broader outpatient reform strategy.

Study type
Descriptive case study based on stakeholder interviews and document review.

Key findings

• HealthPathways was implemented statewide in Queensland to support the rollout of Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC), aiming to reduce variation in referrals and improve access to specialist outpatient services.
• Queensland Health funded the HealthPathways licence and provided central leadership, while local Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) led implementation, including clinical editing and GP engagement.
• HealthPathways enabled local adaptation of CPCs, improving GP acceptance and fostering collaboration between primary and secondary care.
• The platform facilitated significant relationship-building across historically siloed sectors, with improved mutual understanding between GPs and hospital specialists.
• Early data from sites like Mackay and Sunshine Coast showed increased CPC-compliant referrals and reduced inappropriate referrals, suggesting improved referral quality.
• HealthPathways was integrated into broader system change, including future plans for electronic referrals and statewide service directories.
• The Queensland experience highlights the importance of local engagement, adequate resourcing, and a balance between statewide consistency and local flexibility.