7.1 Same day access and appointment systems Overview
Overview on same day access and appointment systems.
This element of the Health Care Home model ensures that patients can access timely care during regular business hours, including same-day appointments when clinically appropriate. By streamlining appointment systems and prioritising planned care, practices can proactively manage patient needs, reduce delays, and improve health outcomes. This domain supports a responsive, efficient, and patient-centred approach to care delivery.
7.2 Access to care during business hours Overview
Overview on Access to care during business hours.
Access to Care During Business Hours is a key element within the Urgent and Unplanned Care domain of the Health Care Home model of care. It focuses on ensuring patients can easily access timely care during standard practice hours, reducing unnecessary pressure on after-hours and emergency services. By offering same-day appointments, triage systems, and efficient care pathways, practices can better respond to urgent needs and improve overall patient experience and outcomes.
7.3 Practice wait times overview
Overview on practice wait times.
Practice Wait Times is a key element within the Urgent and Unplanned Care domain of the Health Care Home model of care. This element focuses on monitoring and improving how quickly patients can access care when needed. By regularly reviewing wait times, practices can identify barriers, enhance responsiveness, and ensure timely access to care—especially for patients with urgent or unplanned health needs.
7.4 Clinical phone triage overview
Overview on Clinical phone triage.
Clinical triage is a key element of the Urgent and Unplanned Care domain in the Health Care Home model. It enables timely, efficient assessment—often by phone or digital means—to prioritise care by urgency, reduce unnecessary appointments, and improve access to same-day care, helping practices manage workload and patient flow more effectively.
Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is a process of thinking and talking about patients values and goals and what their preferences are for current and future health care. It helps the patient to understand what the future might hold, and say what health care they would or would not want, including end-of-life care.