A GP managing a patient with complex pain can consult a pain specialist in real-time, adjusting the care plan as needed. Magic.
E-referral and workflow solutions company Consultmed has partnered with the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network to enhance digital referral pathways for palliative care services, streamlining the referral process and improving patient care and coordination.
The collaboration has integrated Consultmed’s digital referral platform with the PalCare platform used within the SEMPHN region. PalCare, a leading software provider for palliative care, is used throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The integration is scheduled to roll out on Monday 9 June, enabling secure data transfer between Consultmed’s e-referral platform and PalCare software.
By connecting GP practice management systems (such as Best Practice and MedicalDirector) via Consultmed, the solution reduces administrative burden and facilitates seamless communication between GPs and palliative care clinicians, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.
Palliative care services using the Consultmed-PalCare integration will benefit from:
- faster and more efficient triaging – automates the referral process, allowing palliative care teams to accurately assess and prioritise referrals promptly;
- seamless coordination of care – enables smooth referrals to hospital and community-based services, including pain management, mental health and allied health support;
- access to specialist advice in real time – through Consultmed’s eReferral Advice & Guidance feature, GPs can seek expert input from palliative care clinicians, supporting patient management in the community and reducing unnecessary hospital visits;
- secure, trackable digital referrals – provides a structured system for creating, sending, and monitoring referrals directly from practice management systems, improving accountability and reducing paperwork;
- improved patient-centred care – helps ensure patients receive timely, well-coordinated support, allowing more to be cared for at home rather than in hospital.
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“For people receiving palliative care, timely and well-coordinated support can make all the difference,” said Consultmed CEO Associate Professor Vikram Palit.
“These patients often need a multidisciplinary approach involving both hospital and community-based services.
“Our Clinical Advice & Guidance feature enables primary care providers to securely and quickly access specialist advice.
“For instance, a GP managing a patient with complex pain can consult a pain specialist in real-time, adjusting the care plan as needed.
“This can prevent unnecessary ambulance call-outs or hospital visits.”
SEMPHN CEO Quinn Pawson said:
“We are proud to be part of this important step in improving the connection between GPs and in-home community palliative care services.
“We are excited to work alongside PalCare and Consultmed to bring these benefits to primary care.”
