Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinics

Interested in starting a nurse clinic focused on supporting patients with chronic heart failure?

Want to learn new skills in health coaching?

Applications are now closed

Successful applicants notified 3 October 2019

APNA’s Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic project will support six general practices to each establish chronic heart failure nurse clinic in targeted areas of Western Australia through the provision of seed funding, professional development including health coaching education and support.

Chronic Heart Failure is a key priority for the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), with the most recent needs analysis indicating the significant burden of chronic heart failure in specific areas within the Western Australian population. This project provides the opportunity to shift the focus of care towards the management of patients with chronic heart failure in the primary health care setting, with appropriate support from the acute and community care sectors.

Nurse clinics in general practice provide an innovative approach to care delivery. While the format of nurse clinics may vary, studies overwhelmingly show that nurse clinics result in improved health outcomes, reduced waiting times for patients and decreased rates of hospital admission. For areas of health workforce shortages and rural and remote areas with limited access to health care services, nurse clinics can provide patients with improved access to health advice and treatment (Howe 2016).

The Chronic Heart Failure Nurse Clinic Project is supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Project aims

The overall outcomes of the project are:

• To improve the treatment and care of patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure in primary health care settings, through the establishment of nurse clinics

• To increase the confidence and competency of the participating primary health care nurses to implement evidence-based, nurse clinics focused on chronic heart failure

• To improve access to resources and information for the primary health care workforce, related to the care of patients with chronic heart failure

What you need to know

Successful applicants will agree to:

Attendance by the lead nurse at the 2 day Introductory workshop on 10 and 11 October, Perth CBD
Establish a Nurse clinic focused on managing patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure
Participate in the monitoring and evaluation requirements of the project
Engage in professional development opportunities

APNA support includes:

$10,000 payment to each successful organisation to support nurse clinic implementation
Professional development, including health coaching education provided over the entire project
Access to the APNA Nurse Support Line and APNA Online Learning modules