Aged care providers unite to lift data literacy in wound care

As another coronial report into a wound care fatality shows, data literacy in wound prevention and management remains a pressing need in aged care. To address this, eight providers have come together under a sector-wide innovation grant to develop and embed data capability among staff, using routinely collected data to strengthen pressure injury and wound care.

Data-driven innovation

The $2 million program will support aged care providers to tackle workforce and care challenges that are difficult to resolve in isolation. Alwyndor, Bolton Clarke, Elderbloom Community Care Centres, Fronditha Care, Glow Health Care Australia, Lifeview, Regents Garden and Warrigal will share resources and expertise over the next 12 months.

The first half of the project will focus on identifying challenges and designing evidence-based interventions. The second half will put those interventions into practice and evaluate outcomes, with support from subject matter experts and peer organisations.

Collaborative solutions

Leaders involved describe the approach as one of “co-opetition”, where providers collaborate to tackle shared challenges while also testing different models of innovation. The mix of metro, regional and rural organisations, across both residential and home care, for-profit and not-for-profit, ensures the lessons learned will be widely applicable.

Lifeview’s Ms Jewell said the project will accelerate her organisation’s move towards being more data-informed.

“It supports what matters most to us, delivering care that is personal, respectful and grounded in dignity. We are always pleased to be working alongside likeminded organisations focused on improving outcomes for staff and residents.”

Towards a scalable framework

The project is seen as a stepping stone to a national framework for innovation. The aim is to move the sector away from reactive responses and towards proactive, data-driven models of care that can be applied more broadly across the country.

For a sector that is no stranger to complexity and scrutiny, this initiative highlights the power of solutions developed from within. By leveraging the resources, experience and determination of providers who understand the challenges first-hand, aged care can build sustainable progress that supports both staff and the older Australians in their care.