This blog post summarises the key insights from the latest Virtual Education Session (VES) led by Kate Holliday, an advanced practice nurse in rare and genetic conditions. Kate has master degrees in both health promotion and health science, is a community engagement expert and has worked in the health sectors for more than 20 years. In 2020, Kate was listed on the World Health Organisation’s 100 Outstanding Women Nurses and Midwives for her extensive work and advancements to the health field. 

This article delves into her detailed discussion about the Telehealth Pathway program, a pioneering healthcare model run exclusively by nurses, including where it has come from and what to expect from the service.

For more free resources, access our in-depth and targeted information brochures here.

Understanding the Origins of Pathways

The Pathways program began in 2012-2013 when Kate noticed a recurring need for structured care among patients with rarer health conditions. What started as informal referrals between nurses quickly evolved into a formalised protocol aimed at providing consistent and comprehensive care through phone and video consultations.

Validation Through Pilot Programs

From 2019 to 2022, Pathways underwent rigorous pilot testing across ten different health-related areas, benefiting over 3,000 patients. This phase validated the program’s effectiveness in delivering holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, and familial aspects crucial to patient well-being. This inclusive model bridges gaps between healthcare sectors, ensuring comprehensive support. This is especially beneficial for patients navigating disabilities or further mental health complications.

Service Features

Key Components of Pathways

The rigorous training of nurses is one of the central successes of Pathways. Each nurse undergoes specialised training and completes research projects to ensure they’re well-equipped to provide evidence-based care. Ongoing support and peer supervision further enhance their competence and readiness in managing individual cases of scleroderma.

Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access

One of Pathways’ primary goals is to bridge the gap between general information hotlines and intensive case management services. By offering comprehensive primary consultations as well as community-based care, Pathways empowers patients to navigate the healthcare system and access necessary services, particularly benefiting those in rural and remote areas of Australia. 

Collaborative Partnerships for Enhanced Care

Pathways isn’t just about patient care—it’s about building partnerships. Kate and her team collaborate closely with various organisations and health professionals to improve health understanding and support networks, including Australian Primary Care Nurses Association, accessible by clicking here. This collaboration ensures patients receive informed care and access to specialised services, such as those for scleroderma.

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge

At its core, Pathways empowers patients by providing them with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in their healthcare journey. Whether it’s connecting patients with clinicians who understand their condition or offering peer support, Pathways strives to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

A key initiative at Pathways is the development of initial patient checklists, which give people an opportunity to write down their health experiences so far, including what services they’ve tried and if they’ve worked or not. These tools facilitate clearer communication with specialists, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of patient history and treatment effectiveness. This proactive approach not only streamlines care but also empowers patients to actively participate in their health management.

Challenges in Healthcare Coordination

As many of us know, there is an ongoing challenge of finding healthcare providers knowledgeable about scleroderma. However, in this session, Kate highlighted efforts to educate and support GPs and allied health professionals, ensuring patients receive informed and effective care referrals. By gathering patient feedback, Pathways aims to refine their referral processes, enhancing overall care coordination and making the future of scleroderma care more proactive.

Understanding and self-advocating can be challenging when navigating unknown waters, so engaging with community-based state associations, where patients can share experiences and support each other, is highly recommended as a way to reclaim our health and continue raising awareness.

How to Access Pathways

Accessing Pathways is straightforward. Patients can register to Pathways online by clicking this link or call 1300 75 50 50. A brief pre-consultation form helps nurses prepare for the appointment, ensuring that each session is focused and productive.

The Pathways program represents a significant step forward in scleroderma management, combining compassionate care with evidence-based practices. By empowering patients and fostering collaboration within the healthcare community, Pathways continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals across Australia.

We all know living with Scleroderma presents unique challenges, but being part of a supportive community can provide invaluable resources, understanding, and encouragement. By sharing experiences, insights, and resources, we can empower ourselves, others, and medical researchers to better navigate the journey of living with this autoimmune condition.

For those living with Scleroderma, staying updated and informed can make a world of difference. Connecting with others can also be hugely beneficial. Find out more about support in your area here. 

If you’d like to gain firsthand knowledge, our National Education Sessions and Virtual Education Sessions are available to you at no charge. Our Virtual Education Sessions are held every month through Google Meet. You can sign up for these free Virtual Education Sessions here.

These sessions provide an opportunity to engage with medical professionals and seasoned legal experts who will address common inquiries about Scleroderma and related topics.