Health Connector Model
The Health Connector model originated in the UK through Health Connections Mendip. The model is a new and dynamic Compassionate Communities strategy and it works to bridge the divide between formal healthcare services (such as GP practices, aged care facilities, palliative care) and patients by activating informal care networks; family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, social groups), addressing Advance Care Planning and connecting patients with services as needed.
This is achieved by having a ‘Health Connector’, a community development or social worker, placed in the healthcare or neighbourhood setting with the purpose of connecting and building trust with patients,helping them improve their support networks and addressing end of life planning. The work of the Health Connector is then bolstered by other community members, ‘Community Connectors’ who signpost people to the health connector, local social groups and services, all of which can also be found online via an online directory.
The GroundSwell Project, with the support and guidance of Health Connections Mendip, and in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network have been trialling the Connector model in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury region as part of a broader Compassionate Community strategy since 2018. Through these pilots we have developed a successful training program for Health Connectors and Community Connectors. Currently we have trained 14 Health Connectors and over 100 Community Connectors. Health Connectors and Community Connectors will be trained in the Penrith region in early 2021.
How does it work?
The Health Connector model is made up of three components:
Health Connector employed in a healthcare or neighbourhood setting
Community Connectors trained in surrounding community
Digital Directory that lists all local end of life supports; both formal and informal.
Though each one of these elements is valuable as a stand alone feature, the impact is most effective when the three elements work in conjunction with each other. The Health Connector helps patients find non-medical supports that can compliment the medical treatment they are seeking.
The Community Connectors are everyday citizens who are trained to be able to keep an eye out for community members who are vulnerable and help to sign post them to community groups or services that they might benefit from. These groups and services are recorded in an online directory for easy access for anyone looking for something in particular.
Interested in this model?
Contact us to discuss how the Connector Model could work in your context.
This model is new to Australia but has already had an impact in the pilot communities.
If the Health Connector model sounds like something that could benefit your facility or region, contact us and let’s discuss the possibilities.
What the model has demonstrated so far is that increasing access to existing community groups and services and building capacity for community members to connect with and help support each other is an excellent approach to more holistic healthcare and can ease the strain on the health system.
“We look for opportunities and work alongside people to shine a light on the things that people want more of and want to share; and to help draw energy and creativity into areas where people want to get involved in finding their own solutions to things that are important to them. By being the glue and helping create connections we have shown the impact of a can-do model that is based on trust, kindness, creativity and connections.”
- Health Connections Mendip
Find out more about the origin of the model here.
Our Health Connector model has been developed in consultation with Health Connections Mendip.