ARIIA and Aged Care Providers Collaborate to Address Workforce and Data Challenges

What's Happening?

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) has announced a collaborative initiative involving 14 aged care providers to tackle workforce retention and data literacy challenges in the sector. Funded by the Commonwealth Government and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the initiative will be executed over 12 months through ARIIA’s Aged Care Collaborative. Each participating provider will receive up to $120,000, with matched co-contributions, to develop and implement innovative, evidence-based interventions. The initiative is divided into two flagship projects. The first project focuses on improving workforce outcomes by enhancing role clarity, communication, and career pathways through a flexible leadership model. The second project aims to improve data literacy by empowering staff to utilize routinely collected information to enhance clinical outcomes, particularly in pressure injury and wound care. ARIIA CEO Reuben Jacob emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing these sector-wide issues.

Why It's Important?

This initiative is significant as it addresses two critical challenges in the aged care sector: workforce retention and data literacy. By focusing on these areas, the project aims to improve the quality of care for older Australians, which is a pressing concern highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The collaboration between multiple providers and ARIIA represents a shift towards a more unified approach in tackling systemic issues, potentially leading to scalable solutions that can be applied across the sector. This could result in better care outcomes and more sustainable practices in aged care, benefiting both providers and recipients of care.

What's Next?

The projects will be implemented at various residential and home care sites operated by the participating providers, including Australian Unity, Benetas, and others. ARIIA and subject matter experts will support these organizations throughout the program to ensure the successful execution of the projects. The outcomes of these projects could set a precedent for future collaborations and innovations in the aged care sector, potentially influencing policy and operational standards across the industry.