NZ’s First Medical App Wins Health Quality Awards

NZ’s First Medical App Wins Health Quality Awards

New Zealand’s first medical manual app has won the top non-clinical prize in the biennial Leaders in Quality Awards run by the New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association (NZPSHA).

Responding to a pressing need to help hard-working General Practitioners, ophthalmologists Auckland Eye working with Oasis Surgical developed the Auckland Eye Manual from scratch as an invaluable educational and training resource. Auckland University’s feedback was so positive the free app was developed to make the Manual even more accessible to GPs and optometrists.

Guest Judge Dr Janice Wilson, CEO of the Health Quality and Safety Commission, said the app was an amazing product.

“The Manual is excellent and backed by the innovative app it has quickly gone nationwide.”

She said the judges thought this was a very impressive development with applicability right across the health sector.

Southern Cross Hospitals won the top clinical award with an innovative new assessment system which for the first time involves patients in combating the risk of blood clots, or pulmonary embolism, following surgery.

Preventative strategies and early treatment intervention have largely been the preserve of doctors and nurses. But using online information, patients can now self-assess and better manage the risks associated with what is the leading cause of post-surgical fatalities.

Dr Wilson said this was a great initiative and the concept empowers the patient to look after their own health.

“The planning for this new resource was impeccable and it will provide very valuable information for the sector.” said Dr Wilson.

The Leaders in Quality Awards are presented biennial by the NZPSHA and recognise excellence across its 24 members spread across 35 surgical facilities throughout New Zealand.

Executive Lead for the NZPSHA Leaders in Quality Awards Carey Campbell said the judges were impressed with the high calibre and diversity of the 15 entries received and the great work that is being undertaken throughout the sector.

Three finalists from each of the two categories – clinical practice and non-clinical – were selected and they will present their initiatives at the Association’s September 2014 seminar in Wellington.

Ms Campbell said the Awards showcase members’ quality initiatives and boost sector-wide learning and growth, leading to improved service and business delivery and safer patient care.

Dr Wilson said she was impressed with the energy, drive and ‘can do’ attitude that came through all of the nominations.

“The overall standard was high, and the judging was very close at the top end.”

“The winning projects will have far reaching effects across all private surgical hospitals and also influence the public sector.”

“This continues to support the ongoing spread of the patient safety and quality improvement culture.”

Each winner receives a NZPSHA Quality Leader trophy and $1500 to be used to further advance quality and education within their hospitals.

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