Screening

A process that involves the systematic use of a test or investigatory tool to detect individuals at risk of developing a specific disease that is amenable to prevention or treatment. It is a population-based health strategy to identify specific conditions in targeted groups prior to any systems appearing.

Security

Any measures used to protect information and prevent the unauthorised use of data. It includes efforts to maintain the confidentiality of personal and health information, including restricted physical access to the information and protective measures for electronic information such as passwords and encryption.

Service Coordination (SC)

The service coordination element of Community Health Plans provides a framework whereby local models, systems and processes for assessment and information management, facilitate functional integration across the range of services. This means that whilst services remain independent of each other in a structural sense, they work in a cohesive and coordinated way so that the consumer experiences a seamless and integrated response. Within the service coordination component of community health plans, there are three initiatives that provide the infrastructure. These initiatives are Better Access to Services, Information Management and Local Services Information and are interdependent. The purpose of service coordination is to improve people’s access to services by making the service system function transparently to its local community.

Service Coordination Model

Participating agencies within each Primary Care Partnership will reach agreement about, and develop a description of how, each of the Better Access to Services elements (Initial Contact, Initial Needs Identification, Service Specific Assessment, Specialist Assessment, Comprehensive Assessment and Care Planning) are to be undertaken and by whom. These local models will also demonstrate how the six elements will be supported by practices, processes, protocols, and systems which support the management of information (personal information, health information, services information, financial and administrative information, planning and performance monitoring information) whether in electronic or other form. The models developed must ensure the elements in a functionally integrated way. Local models will take into account local community circumstances and preferences to ensure their access to services is maximised.

Service Directory

A comprehensive information source on the range and scope of health and community based services available to consumers within PCP catchments to be used to inform consumers and providers.

Service Specific Assessment

Service Specific Assessment is a face-to-face interaction undertaken where consumers have a relatively straightforward, obvious and distinct need for a specific service. It is conducted by the provider responsible for delivering the service and occurs as part of the delivery of service.

Social Model of Health

A conceptual framework within which improvements in health and well-being are achieved by directing effort towards addressing the social and environmental determinants of health, in tandem with biological and medical factors.

Specialist Assessment

Specialist Assessment is a face-to-face interaction with a consumer and is undertaken where the presenting issue clearly requires a specialist service response. It occurs where a specialist need is identified following Initial Needs Identification.