Clinical Care Standards can play an important role in delivering appropriate care and reducing unwarranted variation, as they identify and define the care people should expect to be offered or receive, regardless of where they are treated in Australia.
This body of work has been identified as a priority area in the Commission’s 2013-16 work plan as approved by Health Ministers in 2013.
The Commission established the Clinical Care Standards program to support clinical experts and consumers develop Clinical Care Standards on health conditions that would benefit from a national coordinated approach.
This is in recognition that:
More details on the Clinical Care Standards program including Frequently Asked Questions and details of the Clinical Care Standards Advisory Committee.
The Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Care Standard aims to ensure that a patient with a bacterial infection receives optimal treatment with antibiotics. ‘Optimal treatment’ means the right antibiotic to treat their condition, the right dose, by the right route, at the right time and for the right duration based on accurate assessment and timely review.
The Acute Coronary Syndromes Clinical Care Standard aims to ensure that a patient with an acute coronary syndrome receives optimal treatment from the onset of symptoms through to the completion of their treatment in hospital. This includes recognition of an acute coronary syndrome, rapid assessment, early management and early initiation of a tailored rehabilitation plan.
The Acute Stroke Clinical Care Standard aims to ensure that a patient with suspected stroke receives optimal treatment during the acute phase of care, starting from the onset of symptoms. This includes recognition of a stroke, rapid assessment, early treatment and early initiation of an individualised rehabilitation plan.
The Delirium Clinical Care Standard aims to ensure that patients with delirium at the time of presentation to hospital receive optimal treatment to reduce the duration and severity of the condition. It also aims to ensure that patients at risk of delirium during a hospital admission are identified promptly and receive preventive strategies.
The Hip Fracture Care Clinical Care Standard supports high-quality care for patients with a confirmed or suspected hip fracture, and was released by the Commission, in collaboration with the Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand.