Targeted at aged care homes struggling to meet 24-hour staffing requirements, the project will test the new framework for telehealth care over the next three years.
The Department of Health and Aged Care, along with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, has issued a $30 million tender to test its Virtual Nursing in Aged Care Framework in 30 residential aged care homes over the next three years.
RACHs which are struggling to meet the 24-hour registered nurse requirements are targeted by the framework, as are RACHs that provide services to First Nations peoples and those from CALD backgrounds, or that have an identified need for workforce support, such as those with a high reliance on agency staff.
One of the aims of the project, according to the tender documents, is to evaluate how virtual care via telehealth (video conferencing) services in residential aged care can contribute to residents having access to quality clinical care 24/7 when and where they need it.
In addition, it will test virtual care’s ability to support the aged care workforce to provide high-quality care, for example through providing access to additional clinical expertise; and provide a high-quality and sustainable adjunct to face-to-face care during periods of workforce shortage.
The successful provider will be able to provide access to virtual nursing services; training and education measures for staff on using virtual nursing, including training on applicable software and equipment; upgrades to, or enhancement of, available technology to support delivery of virtual nursing services; engagement with other participating providers, for example through a Community of Practice; and relevant findings from the evaluation that may contribute to future service delivery.
The tender documents suggest the DoHAC is looking for one or multiple providers to test the framework.
“Funding, totalling $30 million over three years, was announced in the 2023-24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook to support the development and testing of a Framework for the delivery of virtual nursing support in aged care,” said the tender documents.
“Testing of the Framework will focus on supporting residential aged care providers who may benefit from the project, such as those who are struggling to meet 24/7 on-site nursing requirements.
“It is important to note the government remains committed to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the recommendations for on-site RN staffing levels and care minutes.
“Under this project the delivery of virtual nursing support will be an adjunct to face-to-face nursing, and the goal will remain for all providers to continue to work towards 24/7 on-site RN coverage and care minutes.
“This initiative will not contribute towards a RACH’s 24/7 RN requirements or care minutes.”
The type of care delivered via virtual nursing will depend on the resident’s needs, said the tender documents.
“This can range from basic care, encompassing the usual role and responsibilities of an RN, to providing specialist clinical advice not held by on-site staff.”
That includes:
- Assessment and/or management of behavioural and psychological symptoms for cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, mild cognitive impairment);
- wound care;
- assessment and/or management of hearing or vision impairments;
- post-hospital discharge support;
- advanced care planning;
- education and information;
- review for deteriorating persons.
The RFT process closes at 2pm on 2 October. Response evaluation will close on 1 November, with execution of contract on 15 November and commencement of services following immediately after. The contract ends on 30 June 2027.
Full tender documents can be found on AusTender here.