In response to the increasing acuity and complexity of home care clients, our organisation has implemented a refined clinical governance process aimed at better managing the risks associated with an aging population to enhance overall client wellbeing and safety. This presentation, submitted under the Governance/Clinical Governance category, outlines the motivations, processes, and impacts of this initiative.

Background: The need for a robust approach to strengthen processes to identify and manage client risks arose from a noticeable trend of increasing numbers of reported incidents, hazards, and near misses, both client and staff reported. This trend was further evidenced by an increasing number of high-level, maxed-out care packages and extended wait times for services. The increasing clinical risk to our aging population necessitated a re-evaluation of our approach to managing these complex needs.

Process Overview: We implemented a high-level review process with specific criteria for client referrals, aiming to better address the increasing complexity of client needs. This process includes enhanced clinical support and oversight by a specialist Complex Deterioration Nurse (CDN), which has supported improved comprehensive assessment and decision-making.

Workforce and System Integration: The process has had a significant impact on workforce capability, enabling more effective management of complex cases. Additionally, integration with the incident management system has fortified our risk management strategies, streamlining the handling of incidents and near misses.

Case Study and Sector Opportunities: We will present a case study demonstrating the practical application of this process and the resulting positive client outcomes. Moreover, we will discuss sector-wide opportunities identified through this initiative, highlighting potential improvements in clinical governance and risk management strategies across similar settings.

Conclusion: This presentation will illustrate how a structured approach to clinical governance can address the challenges posed by an aging population, improve client safety, and optimize care delivery. The refined process offers valuable insights and practical solutions for enhancing governance and risk management in the healthcare sector.