The purpose of Service Coordination is to improve access to services by making the process more transparent and understandable.  Participating Agencies within each Primary Care Partnership have an agreement about how Service Coordination elements (Initial Contact, Initial Needs Identification, Service Specific Assessment, Specialist Assessment, Comprehensive Assessment and Care Planning) are to be undertaken and by whom.

The concept of Service Coordination was introduced in response to problems experienced by consumers, including: 

• A lack of information about what services are available and how the service system works.
• Inconsistent practice in identifying needs, assessment, and privacy.
• A lack of coordination between agencies and health professionals.
• A lack of clear and transparent referral pathways.
• Inconsistent quality in information provision, screening, assessment, care planning and referral.
• Poor information sharing and feedback when referrals are made.

The objectives of Service Coordination are to:

• Ensure that consumers and carers can access the accurate and relevant information.

  Ensure that consumers and carers are able to access appropriate services in a timely and convenient manner.

  Increase the engagement of consumers and carers in the services and programs they need.

  Improve access to services and service outcomes by providing a seamless and coordinated system.

  Facilitate consumer participation in the management of their health care and care information.

  
  For more information please visit:  www.health.vic.gov.au/pcps/coordination/index.htm