Table 1 Key features of clinical networks
Feature | NSW clinical network | WA health network |
|---|---|---|
Established | 2009 (developing to mature network) | 2006 (mature network) |
Goal | To advise the NSW Ministry of Health on how best to improve services for people in NSW with musculoskeletal disorders. | To provide advice and direction on where and how services should be delivered for West Australian people with musculoskeletal conditions. |
Number of members | 92 core members (170 on email list) | 34 (500 on email list) |
Governance | NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation | WA Department of Health, Networks Branch, Division of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer |
Network structure | Network | Network, Executive Advisory Group |
Working Groups and Sub-Groups | Working Groups | |
Focus | Musculoskeletal disease | Musculoskeletal health – the right care, at the right time, in the right place, by the right team. |
Network leader | 2 specialist clinician co-chairs | Currently a network manager (Health Networks Branch, Dept. of Health); previously a Clinical Lead. |
Network management | Network manager and 2 officers | Network manager (and Branch support) |
Membership | Physician and surgical specialists, GPs, nurses, allied health, consumers, NGOs, researchers and academics, policy analysts, health service managers, NSW Clinical Excellence Commission, Medicare Locals, Health Education and Training Institute. | Physician and surgical specialists, GPs, allied health, nurses, consumers, carers, NGOs, Area Health Service health planners, WA Country Health Service, policy makers, researchers and academics. |
Joining network | Contact network manager | Online registration or direct contact. |
Funding | Through NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, specific network funding. | Through Department of Health, in overall Branch budget. |
Working Groups | • Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program | • Osteoporosis Model of Care |
• Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention | • Spinal Pain Model of Care | |
• Paediatric Rheumatology | • Inflammatory Arthritis Model of Care | |
• Elective Joint Replacement Guideline | ||
• Curriculum Development on Osteoporosis for Junior Doctors | • Elective Joint Replacement Service Model of Care | |
|  | • Musculoskeletal Nurse Graduate Certificate Development | • Others established as needed. |