Our Sustainable and Quality Use of Diagnostics in Emergency Departments project aims to reduce low-value pathology, diagnostic imaging, and interventions to enhance care quality for consumers, lower carbon emissions, and deliver financial savings.
The project launched in April in collaboration with Climate Health Victoria and 11 health services spanning 19 emergency departments. More than 20 tests and interventions have been identified by health services as frequently overutilised and offering limited clinical benefit.
To support implementation, we are partnering with the University of Melbourne to host monthly learning sessions for participating health service teams. These sessions have focused on process mapping, Human Factors, Implementation Science, and behaviour change strategies that equip teams with practical tools to drive meaningful change.
We have also conducted site visits to regional hospitals, engaging directly with clinicians and local project teams. These visits have provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by regional emergency departments and highlighted innovative approaches to improving diagnostic practices. Clinicians also shared how climate change is increasingly impacting service delivery and consumer health, reinforcing the urgency and relevance of this work.
The first 3 months have seen strong momentum, with early indications pointing to significant environmental and financial benefits to the health system.
Contact us
For more information, please contact valuebasedhealthcare@safercare.vic.gov.au.
