Aims:
- To determine the impact and effectiveness of the RSD Pilot Project to improve access to cataract surgery and reduce waiting times for Aboriginal people at four sites across Australia.
Objectives:
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To identify the key features of a recommended model that included:
- identifying demand
- coordination of services
- workforce requirements.
Summary:
The Foundation was funded to facilitate access to 200 cataract surgery procedures for Aboriginal people from remote areas with a focus on the 'Priority Communities' as identified by the Australian Government.
The Foundation engaged the Menzies School of Health Research to undertake an evaluation of the program delivered between March 2013 and April 2014.
Implications for policy and practice:
Appropriate evaluation mechanisms will assist the funder and service provider to determine the benefit of a program in terms of the cost-effectiveness, attainment of desired outcomes and justification of ongoing funding.
Our research has found:
A highly successful remote service delivery model is one that:
- contributes to the attainment of the service’s objectives by identifying service gaps and unmet demand
- determines ways to increase efficiencies
- offers a sustainable approach that can be readily integrated into the organisation’s service delivery model.
Program design must consider the short as well as the long term outcomes – particularly once funding has ceased.
Chief investigator and project manager:
Contact information:
Project dates:
The project commenced in May 2013 and completed in August 2014.
Funders:
- The Fred Hollows Foundation
Collaborators:
- Top End Health Service
- Outback Eye Service
- Western NSW LHD.