Western Sydney Practice Wins Data Quality Award
On Thursday 16 September, Western Sydney general practice, Lejeune Family Medical Practice, was announced as the winner of the Pen CS Data Quality Award. The Pen CS Awards celebrate excellence in data-driven quality improvement in general practice and Aboriginal medical services across Australia, and we are incredibly proud that a practice from our region was recognised as a leader in this sector.
Lejeune Family Medical Practice has worked diligently to improve the accuracy of its clinical data across the ten Practice Incentive Program (PIP) measures. Lejeune has utilised Pen Computer System (CS) tools to enhance their PIP datasets by methodically reviewing each measure through a Pen Clinical Audit Tool (PenCAT) search, placing reminders in patient’s files to raise at their next visits, and updating the information following appointments. In particular, the practice has pushed for a significant increase in patient records for smoking status, alcohol status and HbA1c status. From 2020 to 2021, Lejeune’s records for alcohol status rose from 79.3% to 91.6% through the consistent use of Pen CS tools. The practice’s records on smoking status are now at 94.3% compared to the average of 83.6% for all practices in Western Sydney.
This increase in PIP data has enabled Lejeune to better target patient care and improve health outcomes. The increase in the quantity and quality of clean data has helped practice staff manage patient medications and tailor treatments and resources more effectively. As well as advancing quality improvement areas, effective data management has enabled the practice to review PIP payments, classify patients eligible for MBS items, and prepare for accreditation compliance reviews.
“Data is valuable and the key to analysis of population needs and trends. Governments and the private sector are continuously searching for data. Delivering good medicine, especially in a primary care context, must have reliable and timely data at hand.” – Dr James, Founder and Principal GP at Lejeune Family Medical Practice.
Patient searches through PenCAT have allowed the practice to understand its diverse patient population and specific needs. This includes the ability to easily identify patients eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, patients who meet the Healthy Heart Health Assessment requirements, and patients with HbA1c scores that can be recalled to Western Sydney Diabetes Case Conferencing.
Harnessing their patient diabetes data, Lejeune participated in the Diabetes DiRECT Australia study to demonstrate that type 2 diabetes remission can be achieved through structured weight management programs. From those identified, five patients took part in the program, with one patient losing close to 15 kilograms.
Lejeune’s application of Pen CS data tools sets new standards for data utilisation in the region. Through the work of practices such as Lejeune, the vision of a ‘one health system’ for Western Sydney is being realised. Technology is critical to transforming primary care services that identify and deliver positive outcomes for our community and building a transparent, accountable, value-based health system.
You can watch the recording of the Pen CS Awards here.
How can your practice better utilise data?
WentWest’s Practice Development Team (PDT) are helping practices gain access to digital tools that support quality improvement measures. WentWest funds PenCAT and Topbar licenses from Pen CS for all practices in Western Sydney. To learn more about Pen CS technology, HealthPathways or GoShare, reach out to your PDT Coordinator.