Concerns about data privacy, lack of support, incompatibility and being time-consuming are potential barriers for health professionals using digital health support tools according to a recent study (1). With the use of technology, including digital decision support tools, becoming more prevalent in general practice, it’s increasingly important that health professionals have access to bespoke digital health tools to improve the quality of patient care.
Developed collaboratively by local general practitioners, specialists, nurses and allied health professionals, Western Sydney HealthPathways is a secure online clinical decision support tool that provides locally agreed guidance on the assessment, management and treatment of medical conditions, as well as clear referral pathways to appropriate local services.
Senior Clinical Editor, Dr Michelle Crockett (MBBS (Hons), FRACGP, Dip Botanic Med), was asked for her own personal reflections in using HealthPathways.
“When I was approached about assisting with the development of HealthPathways, I thought it was just another ‘guideline’. But HealthPathways is unique tool that I use every day at work. It is unique because it is written for GPs by GPs for use during our consultations.”
How do you use HealthPathways?
“HealthPathways has a consistent structure that assists in locating the information I need quickly. It has clinical information in a concise, easy-to-use format that I can access during a consultation. The referral pages are invaluable and can save so much time. I can find both public and private services and how to refer patients. The referral pages are really helpful when looking for available services. There are so many services that I was not aware of, both local and state-wide.”
What does HealthPathways do well?
“I love the links to external resources that are embedded in the pathways and in the ‘Information’ section. I can access reliable information about the topic without having to do a Google search. There is also information for patients that I can share with my patient.”
“My most used pages include the Medications in Diabetes pages, especially the non-insulin medications page. With all the new medications available it is great to be able to quickly check information about the various drugs available including efficacy, contraindications and common side effects.”
What else can HealthPathways do?
“HealthPathways is also a useful teaching resource for both medical students and GP Registrars. I encourage my registrars to check HealthPathways when they have a question, as the answer is frequently available. This increases their ability to practice without having to interrupt me and helps them work towards being independent GPs.”
Would you recommend HealthPathways to other health professionals?
“I would encourage everyone to become familiar with HealthPathways. I have found that it increases the quality of my care, helps with referring patients and saves time during consultations!”
Favourite Pathways
Western Sydney HealthPathways is a partnership initiative between WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Western Sydney Local Health District and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. General practitioners, hospital specialists and allied health providers are actively involved in its creation and continuous review, ensuring its safety, relevance and effectiveness.
Learn more about HealthPathways and register for your own personalised login