Information Management Maturity Framework

Overview of Information Management (IM)

An organisation's ability to process and manage information is at the core of organisational and managerial competence. General Practice Networks (GPNs) manage numerous complex projects and are, in many areas, engage directly with population health planning and service delivery activities in their local communities. These activities place an ever increasing Information Management demand on GPNs.

In response to this environment the Department of Health and Ageing in association with the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) developed the Information Management Maturity Framework (IMMF).

The framework has been designed specifically for General Practice Networks in Australia in order to build capacity in IM and enhance service delivery outcomes.

Objectives

The IMMF has been developed to actively support GPNs to:

  • establish a uniform national approach to IM, enabling GPNs to share successes and best practice lessons in IM throughout the network;
  • support the effective management of health information to enhance the quality of healthcare through the collection and utilisation of clinical data in general practices;
  • facilitate better access to health information to improve integration and continuity of care across health and community care services;
  • use data to inform the planning and evaluation of health services, and measure the effectiveness of health program delivery; and
  • enhance their IM capacity, and promote models of best practice in IM.

Framework and Toolkit

The IMMF provides a nationally consistent methodology for addressing Information Mangagement Issues within a GPN. Applying the IMMF directly supports a GPN in the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process and integrates well into GPN accreditation activity. Applying the IMMF allows a GPN to identify, proritise and implement IM systems that address the strategic requirements of the organisation.

The IMMF Toolkit provides a suite of standard, systematic tools that can be applied by a GPN to initiate projects and activities that will support the successful implementation of identified IM systems.

Medicare Local Transition

The guidelines for the establishment and initial operation of Medicare Locals, section 2.7.vii. Information Mangement and Information Technology (IM/IT) references the IMMF as a tool to assist Medicare Locals in implementing effective IM/IT systems.

Support for GPNs with the Medicare Local Invitation to Apply (ITA) process is being provided by the AGPN Transition Team and field support officers within each SBO.

Members engaged in the ITA process can access support at http://www.agpn.com.au/medicarelocaltransition.

Accessing the IMMF

The IMMF is made available to all GPNs via the AGPN Network Resource Centre.

For any issues accessing these resources please contact Matt Pirani at itadmin@agpn.com.au

Other IMMF resources available include:
Brochure
Information management fact sheet
Frequently asked questions

Support with IMMF

Support for General Practice Networks in the application of the IMMF and the Toolkit is provided by the eHealth Support Officers Network. For more information or assistance with IMMF please contact your local eHealth Support Officer situated within your region's State Based Organsiation.

Contact details for eHealth Support Officers can be found here. 


Updated: 11 April 2011