Teamwork and innovation: A revolution in aged care data management

Aged care businesses have long grappled with the complexities of digital transformation and system interoperability after evolving from paper-based systems. With systems spanning clinical, workforce and financial domains – to name a few – it is no easy feat managing data.

Findings from ACIITC’s 2024 Digital Maturity Report highlight the problem at hand. Its digital maturity scorecard reveals that sector interoperability is roughly at 55% of its full potential.

However, a new partnership between one of the sector’s leading providers of benchmarking products, QPS Benchmarking, and e-health powerhouse, Telstra Health, is about to make a major difference with a unique innovation.

Their combined solution delivers genuine time savings for staff who can focus on what matters most: caring for residents. By automating data collection and reporting, the integration provides accurate, secure information without manual intervention – an innovative solution that sets a new standard in the aged care sector.

This innovation not only saves time but also reduces costs by performing the work of two staff members, allowing them to be reassigned to valuable caregiving roles instead of handling data entry.

Clients benefit from “no-touch” National Quality Indicator (NQI) reporting plus comprehensive management and board reports ready to use with minimal effort.

A key feature of the offering is the automatic synchronisation of resident and representative information, ensuring that data remains up-to-date and ready for use in the QPS system. This level of efficiency and accuracy is unparalleled, enabling providers to operate more effectively while maintaining the highest standards of care.

This partnership itself is worth celebrating, alongside the dedication of those working behind the scenes. The project’s roots stretch over a decade to a partnership between QPS Benchmarking and iCare Solutions. 

At the time, the two businesses were working together to integrate QPS Benchmarking’s performance indicators directly into iCare’s assessment forms, streamlining data collection and reducing duplication for aged care providers. It was an important step forward in making benchmarking easier and more efficient.

Progress stalled when Telstra Health acquired iCare. Priorities shifted and QPS focused on providing continuity for shared clients.

Yet that acquisition never spelled the end for the dream partnership. The connection with Telstra Health evolved and gained new momentum with the Nambucca Valley Care (NVC) trial.

“The NVC trial became a turning point. It demonstrated the value of automated data collection and seamless integration. We discovered ways to improve reporting processes that were not available to the sector – until now. The high standards of data encryption and accuracy are second to none,” QPS Benchmarking General Manager Adam Holcroft shared.

“Our innovation is unique and will be a leap forward for the sector. This will save providers time and costs. We’ve created a modern integration that combines Telstra Health’s infrastructure with our expertise in benchmarking clinical, safety, and operational performance indicators.

“This partnership has brought about something truly special for our industry. Something that isn’t offered elsewhere. It’s been a journey, and one that’s positioned us to deliver real value for providers.”

From day one the ambition around this project was evident. A six-month window was set to complete the initial integration, including the NVC trial phase. This was designed to validate the integration’s processes, ensure data accuracy, and address any technical challenges before scaling further.

While complex, aligning QPS Benchmarking’s performance indicators with Telstra Health’s systems was always realistic for the team. 

“We understood that achieving a seamless and secure data transfer required meticulous planning and collaboration across teams,” Mr Holcroft added.

“We prioritised delivering a robust and fit-for-purpose solution over rushing the process. The result was a well-executed integration that is really going to make an impact in aged care.”

The team faced several challenges throughout the trial phase. Each required careful coordination and problem-solving. One key challenge was aligning the technical infrastructure between QPS Benchmarking and Telstra Health.

Integrating two distinct systems while maintaining data accuracy and security is never straightforward, but the team’s expertise ensured a seamless outcome.

Internally, the team had to overcome hurdles while meeting the expectations of NVC and Telstra Health. But this IT team thrives on tackling challenges head-on, and once again, they rose to the occasion, going above and beyond to deliver exceptional results.

“Their experts placed immense trust in us to navigate the intricacies of the integration, and we worked hard to demonstrate that this trust was well-placed. Our IT team loves a challenge. Without challenges, we don’t grow. And once again they delivered with excellence,” Mr Holcroft said.

“Balancing differing priorities, timelines, and expectations required clear communication and adaptability. This was particularly important during the NVC trial, where we had to ensure the integration met operational needs while validating the processes in real-world conditions.

“Through it all, the team demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. This has resulted in a rare offering that will make such a difference for aged care providers and ultimately improve the lives of older Australians.”

Examples of collaboration include team members from different areas stepping up to assist one another. They leveraged collective experience and knowledge to develop innovative solutions. Whether troubleshooting technical issues or facilitating communication between stakeholders, everyone contributed to keeping the project on track.

Meanwhile, the IT team showed commitment by learning the nursing processes and procedures underpinning care delivery. 

Mr Holcroft said they took the time to learn how NVC staff used the Telstra Health system so they could accurately map data and ensure it worked for the clinical staff on the ground.

“By aligning their technical expertise with an understanding of clinical processes, the IT team identified opportunities to improve procedures on the NVC side,” Mr Holcroft explained. 

“These improvements resulted in more accurate recording and reporting of clinical data and gave NVC confidence that their processes comply with Department of Health requirements.

“This cohesive approach not only delivered a robust and accurate integration but also left NVC with improved processes and procedures that support their ongoing care delivery and compliance. It’s a testament to how pulling together and sharing expertise can create long-lasting value for clients.”

Mr Holcroft said every team member felt immense pride when the project was completed. He praised their hard work, collaboration, and ability to overcome challenges to deliver a solution benefitting NVC and one that will transform data management for the sector.

However, as everyone in aged care knows, the work is never finished. The QPS team quickly shifted focus to what’s next and is laser-focused on ensuring a measured and strategic approach to growth. 

“Much like the great Manchester United teams under Alex Ferguson, while we celebrated the achievement, our focus quickly shifted to planning what’s next. The ‘trophy presentation’ moment was brief, as we are already preparing for the challenges ahead in 2025,” Mr Holcroft said. 

This workload includes delivering more innovation and time-saving tools to aged care providers facing numerous reform changes in the next few months. 

“The combination of technical expertise and a deep understanding of client needs has shaped a solution that truly stands out, saving time, improving care, and ensuring data integrity at every level,” he added.

“The ability to integrate QPS Benchmarking’s systems with Telstra Health’s infrastructure ensured the solution isn’t just functional, it is transformative for aged care providers.”

To learn more about QPS’ integration with Telstra Health and how it can benefit your organisation, call the QPS Benchmarking team today on (02) 4229 5880.