Aims
To address systemic barriers limiting timely access to evidence‑based geriatric care in regional Australia. The federally-funded Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) initiative seeks to improve clinical pathways, strengthen geriatric workforce capability, expand specialist access via telehealth, and enhance service navigation across three regional sites in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Methods
A participatory co‑design approach engaged aged care providers, Primary Health Networks (PHNs), general practitioners, geriatricians, and community organisations. Analysis of community aged care data, primary care engagement, and workforce training gaps informed development of geriatric‑focused education modules. Interventions included targeted interdisciplinary training, streamlined communication processes, and redesigned navigation supports for older adults presenting with multimorbidity, frailty, and complex trajectories. A continuous quality improvement framework guides evaluation.
Results
Four consistent priorities emerged:
Early outcomes demonstrate increased clinician confidence, greater use of coordinated referral pathways, and a marked rise in telehealth-supported specialist reviews.
Conclusions
The IMOC initiative demonstrates that co‑designed, geriatric‑informed interventions can enhance clinical integration, improve workforce preparedness, and expand specialist access in regional settings. Findings indicate a scalable pathway to improving care quality, continuity, and outcomes for older Australians.