Technology/Clinical Practice Committee
The function of the committee is to ensure that new technologies and clinical practices at Southern Health are introduced within a rigorous and evidence-based framework.How do I make an application for VPACT New Technology Program Funding in 2011-12?
The Department of Health VPACT New Technology Program (NTP) Funding for 2011-12 is now open. All Southern Health Applications for VPACT funding will be submitted through the Southern Health New Tecnology/Clinical Practice Committee (TCPC).
For NTP funding consideration in 2011-12, applications will require submission of an Expression of Interest. before the full application process. Detailed instructions for the Application process and the Proforma for the Expression of Interest are attached.
What is a new technology or clinical practice?
A new technology or clinical practice is defined as a therapeutic intervention (including prostheses; implantable devices; high cost pharmaceuticals; medical, surgical or other clinical procedures) or diagnostic procedure that is considered by a reasonable body of clinical opinion to be significantly different from existing clinical practice.
What is the purpose of the Technology/Clinical Practice Committee and how does it operate?
The committee oversees and supports clinicians in the safe and appropriate introduction of a technology or clinical practice that has not previously been undertaken at Southern Health.
Approval must be obtained from the committee before commencing any new technologies or clinical practices on any Southern Health patient, public or private.
When is an application to the Technology/Clinical Practice Committee required?
Applications are required when a new technology or clinical practice that has not been performed at Southern Health is to be introduced. Variations to existing procedures and treatments that involve a new device or item of equipment may also require an application if they are significantly different from existing practice.
A 'Change of Use' application is also required when any changes of use to current approved technologies or clinical practices are planned.
Applications are not required when a technology or clinical practice is already in practice at Southern Health. However, the clinician should seek advice from the Southern Health Credentialing and Scope of Practice Committee regarding the credentialing requirements to undertake the procedure.
What is the application process at Southern Health?
The committee meets monthly to review applications. Applications are due two weeks prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time for the application to be reviewed.
What resources are available to help with technical aspects of the application process?
Evidence of effectivenessKelly Allen (Centre for Clinical Effectiveness) T: 9594 7579 |
CodingSusan Peel (Health Information Services) T: 9594 1382 |
Current bed utilisation and financial impactAnthony Gust (Clinician Information Management) T: 9594 4017 |
Credentialing and scope of practiceJulie Byrne (Medical Support Unit) T: 9594 2044 |
Proposed financial impact and business caseBasil Ireland (Finance) T: 9594 2832 |
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Infrastructure and equipment needs Frank Meacco (Health Tecnology Services) T: 8541 6404 |
Additional resources are provided below to assist the application process:
How are decisions made?
Decisions are evidence-based, transparent and accountable. The review process includes assessment of:
- safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness
- operational requirements such as cost, capacity, capability and credentialing
- considerations related to access, equity, legal and ethical issues
- review of patient information about the new procedure.
What applications have been made for the introduction of new technologies and clinical practices?
Outcomes of applications made to the committee since 2008 are available in the following Decision Summaries:
What applications have been made for the change of use to technologies and clinical practices in current practice?
How are new technologies and clinical practices monitored?
The committee monitors successful outcomes and adverse events for two years after introduction of a new technology or clinical practice. This information is provided to the Victorian Department of Health.
Templates that meet the requirements of the Department of Health have been developed to assist with data collection and reporting.
How does a new procedure become standard practice?
The committee reviews previously approved applications for reclassification to standard practice. This can take place two years after introduction of the TCP or earlier by request from the relevant Department Head.
Which New Tecnologies/Clinical Practices have been reclassified into Standard Practice at the end of the two year monitoring period?
What quality assurance processes are in place?
The committee invites ongoing feedback about all systems and processes.
A program logic map and evaluation plan were developed to facilitate evaluation of the program. The first Evaluation Report 2008 demonstrates that the program achieved its objectives and represents international best practice.
The program won the 2009 Australian Council of Healthcare Standards Quality Improvement Award for Non-Clinical Service Delivery. It was also nominated for the 2009 Victorian Public Healthcare Award for Most Appropriate Care: providing least intrusive and earliest effective care.
Who can provide further information?
Please refer any queries or correspondence to the Committee's Executive Officer:
Dr Anjali Dhulia
Executive Officer, Technology/Clinical Practice Committee
Phone: 9594 2180
Email: anjali.dhulia@southernhealth.org.au
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