Tweed Health for Everyone Super Clinic led the way in patient engagement as part of the Primary Health Network’s Winter Strategy Program 2019.
The Tweed Health for Everyone Super Clinic ran a workshop for Winter Strategy participants in May, 2019. It covered:
- what the Winter Strategy involves
- how to get the most out of the program
- what Sick Day Action Plans are and how to use one
- the importance of health literacy.
It also provided a chance for feedback and suggestions for the practice.
Eight Winter Strategy participants with a range of long-term conditions attended the workshop. The morning was facilitated by Rebecca Tate and Louise Reston (nursing and administration staff at the Super Clinic) and the Northern NSW Health Literacy Officer.
Feedback from the workshop was positive. All participants rated it “excellent” and agreed they would encourage others to attend future workshops. Participants also valued the social aspect of the day.
Participants shared information with each other about what helped them to stay well.
Most participants felt more confident to manage their health with the information provided in the workshop. They were asked what the Winter Strategy meant to them before and after the session. There was a greater understanding and appreciation of the program benefits after the workshop.
“I feel more secure knowing that I can see the GP quickly.”
Participants realised the program gave them a way to ask for extra support that they did not feel comfortable asking for before.
Everyone agreed that regular check-ups with the nurse, Rebecca, would be useful. They liked that they would be asked specific questions about their symptoms, rather than relying on themselves to recognise or admit they were feeling worse.
Participants had a lot of questions about lifestyle management and support, such as exercise programs, transport and rehabilitation programs.
Participants were also asked if there was anything else they would like to know. Issues of concern were recorded for Rebecca to follow up with in regular appointments that form part of the Winter Strategy. Generally, they were issues that people didn’t think they could bring up with their doctors as they were not about medical care. This was an opportunity to discuss care planning and how it is based around what is important to the participant.
The workshop was scheduled for 90 minutes but ran overtime with participants chatting and asking questions. Participants very much enjoyed the workshop (and the morning tea) and requested another session in the future.
“This has been lovely!”
Northern NSW Health Literacy Project acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands across our region and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise these lands were never ceded and acknowledge the continuation of culture and connection to land, sky and sea. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and honour the rich diversity of the world’s oldest living cultures.