Director of Integrum SA, Rebecca Singh, said the aim of the programme is to improve the health and wellbeing of all patients involved.
Integrum will give patients the confidence to self-manage their chronic disease and feel in control of their care journey.
“Through our community-based, integrated medical and social care service programme, we plan to reduce unplanned hospital admissions and improved quality of life for patients,” Ms Singh said.
“Integrum will play an important role in working with South Australia’s health services to deliver high-level care in the community.
“This eases the burden on hospitals and health services, allowing patients to spend more time at home with their families.”
Minister Wade said South Australia faces a growing demand for end-of-life care services as the State’s population is older than the national average.
“We want to ensure that every South Australian has access to high quality care to support them to live – and die – well, no matter who they are, where they live, or what health issues they are dealing with,” Minister Wade said.
“Too often, we hear of people who are transferred between hospitals, specialists, primary care and aged care providers, receiving fragmented care and a confusing overall experience.
“This programme will focus on those who spend a lot of time in hospital towards the end of their life and provide them more support to stay at home and receive appropriate care.”
Integrum SA will be based on the original model developed by Silverchain in Western Australia. The WA programme started two years go with a pilot of 30 clients and is now hosting more than 200.
Integrum SA will be based at the Repat Health Precinct within the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN).
It’s expected that 200 to 300 participants will be involved during the 18-month trial, which is likely to start by the end of the year.
Participants must be within 25 minutes’ drive from the Repat, have had two or more unplanned hospital admissions in the past 12 months, or have two or more chronic diseases.
They must also be eligible for either the RDNS Silverchain Home Care Package or are accessing the Adults with Chronic Conditions programme being delivered by RDNS Silverchain.
The pilot is in addition to the Marshall Liberal Government’s $16 million investment over four years for increased palliative care support and $33.3 million annual investment in palliative care.