Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been established with the key objective of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure clients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and we proudly deliver the Primary Health Network (PHN) programs on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health.

The Primary Care General Practitioner (GP) model in residential aged care has faced ongoing challenges across regions within Central Queensland and Wide Bay. This is primarily due to significant GP workforce shortages. There is a decline in the numbers of GPs practicing in regional areas with a concurrent steady decline in the number of GP visits available to residential aged care. As a result, aged care homes struggle to ensure effective, consistent and comprehensive primary care is available for residents. In this current market, this makes GP-based models an unsustainable solution for meeting the care needs of RACH residents in the region.

Innovative models of care are urgently required to address this issue. Nurse Practitioner (NP) led models, whilst not yet widely implemented, have consistently demonstrated effective and beneficial outcomes in aged care settings. These models have been shown to improve access to healthcare, reduce emergency department visits and support the management of chronic and complex health conditions, particularly for vulnerable aged and remote populations.

The implementation of this model with a commissioned provider, presents an exciting opportunity for an evaluation partner to critically analyse the effectiveness of models that differ to or complement traditional medical models in the residential aged care setting. Engaging an evaluation institution alongside the NP model will enable an evaluation that comprehensively examines the programs challenges and successes and provides recommendations for broader implementation and scalability.

The evaluation will focus on the impact the model has on improved access to medical care for residents living in aged care homes, particularly in GP thin market areas, staff and resident satisfaction with the program and improved collaborative care for older people residing in aged care in regional areas. This evaluation is essential for informing future workforce strategies that ensure all residents receive equitable access to comprehensive clinical and medical care. The purpose of this procurement is to engage an experienced evaluation partner to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the NP-led model of care in residential aged care. The evaluation will measure the program's impact and outcomes at the micro, meso, and macro level, including assessing its impact on resident care and workforce, and provide recommendations for broader implementation and future economic viability.

If you are interested in submitting an application, please download the RFP documents and submit your application through this portal. Following submission of your response you will receive a confirmation email.

Questions: For any enquiries regarding tender documentation or clarifications, please use the online tender forum provided.