September project update
The Living Well team has launched right into a number of key initiatives this month as we push ahead in the Implementation Phase. From big picture reform discussions to social media and app-based initiatives, to our pilot Pharmacy program, to receiving feedback via the Patient Flow Portal, to strengthening communication between Respiratory Assessment Clinics, GPs and Ambulance services, there has been plenty to keep us busy.
Exploring geotargeting
With our sights set on early intervention strategies, Living Well is looking at different ways to engage our community. One such method being explored recently is geo-targeted social media messaging.
Geotargeting is a method used to send messages and advertising to people based on their geographic location. Rather than traditional print, TV or radio advertising, we are tapping into smartphone and social media technology to get targeted health messages to people instantly via a medium that we know they are using.
Piloting this approach in high-risk areas, we’ll be targeting people aged over 25 with messages to increase awareness of preventative activities. Depending on the message or campaign, the target audience may be individuals identified by GPs or health professionals as at-risk, those already taking part in asthma or cardiac health programs, or people living in the region yet to experience health concerns. Through geotargeting, we can:
Send information about how to identify risk factors and access online screening tests or heart health checks
Encourage people to get in touch with their GP or other professional
Highlight local services supporting healthy living, such as after-hours clinics
Prompt people to visit their GP and get a health management plan in place to avoid hospitalisation
Share stories of people living with COPD or CHF or other chronic conditions to bring awareness to the various symptoms, risk factors, prevention, screening, treatment and management issues and help people to find community.
We know that people living with COPD and/or CHF can go undetected for many years. Through geotargeting we hope to reach people of all ages to build their awareness of these conditions, let them know about screening options and spread the message that it’s never too late to turn around unhealthy habits. We hope to launch our first geotargeting campaign early next year in line with Heart Research Australia’s awareness and fundraising initiative, ‘RED FEB’.
Pharmacy pilot program launched
In other big news for the initiative, we are now calling for pharmacies in Coolamon, Corowa, Leeton, Moama, Wagga Wagga and Young to take part in the Living Well, Your Way – Pilot in Pharmacy.
This is the first of its kind for pharmacies in our region and is an exciting step toward our patient-centred and continued-care goals.
The program will explore the role of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary care of patients with complex chronic conditions and see participating pharmacies offering early detection, screening and health management services around common chronic diseases such as COPD.
The pilot represents a great opportunity for improved health outcomes in our community. Working in rural and remote settings, pharmacists are often best placed to support people living with COPD and CHP in identifying and working through critical moments in managing their own health. They are also often in the best position to reach people who may be at risk before they become patients and help direct them toward the care and support they need.
Participation will be subject to eligibility criteria and a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process. All pharmacies interested in tendering are encouraged to view the Living Well website: www.livingwellyourway.org.au.
For further information contact Melanie Reeves on 0447 845 112 or email melanie.reeves@mphn.org.au.
