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Regional model of care for orthopaedics services 

The problem 

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The Central Region District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand faced challenges in delivering equitable and consistent orthopaedic care. Disparities in access to care, particularly for Māori and other marginalised groups, along with variations in service delivery across the region, resulted in uneven health outcomes. The existing system also struggled with data inconsistencies, making it difficult to track patient journeys effectively and measure outcomes across different DHBs. ​

Our approach

​Synergia was contracted to develop a Single System of Care (SSoC) for orthopaedic surgery in the Central Region. The approach was collaborative, involving data analysis, workshops across the six DHBs, and the creation of a clinical network of leaders to guide the project. The design process focused on creating a "best practice composite" by integrating successful innovations from different DHBs into a unified model.
 
Key steps included: 
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  • Conducting workshops to understand current practices and patient journeys. 

  • Synthesising data and qualitative insights to design a new care model. 

  • Prioritising non-operative care and implementing multidisciplinary triage to ensure patients received the most appropriate care. 

  • Focusing on equity, particularly in designing pathways that are more responsive to Māori needs. 

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Impacts

​The project resulted in several strategic benefits for Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ, MidCentral: 
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  • Improved equity: By focusing on culturally responsive care and addressing the needs of underserved populations, the new system aimed to reduce health disparities, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. 

  • Consistency across the region: The standardised processes and pathways ensured that all patients received consistent care regardless of their location within the region. 

  • Enhanced efficiency: The streamlined referral and triage processes reduced unnecessary surgeries and optimised the use of resources, including surgical time and personnel. 

  • Data-driven decision making: The improved data collection and sharing across DHBs enabled better monitoring of outcomes and informed continuous improvement efforts. 

  • Patient-centered care: The focus on non-operative pathways and multidisciplinary care teams ensured that patients received holistic care tailored to their specific needs, improving overall patient satisfaction and outcomes. 

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