Introduction of new Technologies/Clinical Practices at Southern Health

Southern Health is piloting this process. Suggestions for improvement are welcome.

What is a new Technology/Clinical Practice?

When is an application required?

Applications are required when
A new TCP that has not been performed at Southern Health is to be introduced or variations to existing procedures or treatments involve a new device or item of equipment, or if they are considered by a reasonable body of clinical opinion to be significantly different from existing practice.

Applications are not required when
A clinician proposes to us a TCP that is already in practice at Southern Health but has not previously been undertaken by that individual.  However the clinician should seek advice from the Southern Health Credentialing and Scope of Practice Committee regarding the credentialing requirements to undertake the procedure.

How is this process governed at Southern Health?

The primary role of the Southern Health Technology/Clinical Practice Committee (TCPC) is to oversee and support clinicians in the safe and appropriate introduction of a TCP that has not previously been undertaken at Southern Health.
Approval must be obtained from the TCPC before commencing any new TCPs on any Southern Health patient, public or private.
The TCPC reviews submissions from clinicians within Southern Health who wish to introduce a new TCP.
Southern Health TCPC Terms of Reference

What is the application process at Southern Health?

The Southern Health TCPC meets monthly to review applications for new technologies/clinical practices.  Applications to the TCPC are due two weeks prior to the date of the meeting to allow sufficient time for the application to be reviewed by the secretariat and committee members.
Meeting Dates and Application Deadlines - 2008
Meeting Dates and Application Deadlines - 2009
Southern Health TCP Procedure Protocol
Southern Health TCP Application Form

What resources are available to assist applicants?

Southern Health staff are available to assist with various technical aspects of the application

Evidence
CCE has developed a guide to finding the best available evidence to support applications. It provides instructions on how and where to search most effectively and how to evaluate the quality of the information identified.
Finding the Evidence: Guide to the best available evidence to support introduction of New Technologies and Clinical Practices (2008)

Patient information and consent
A template for patient information specific to TCPs has been developed to assist applicants.
Southern Health Patient Information Template

Please utilise the Southern Health Patient Consent Form for all patients receiving the new TCP.

How are decisions made?

The review process includes assessment of safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness; operational requirements such as cost, capacity, capability and credentialing; considerations related to access, equity, legal and ethical issues; and review of patient information about the new procedure.

Decisions regarding applications for introduction of new TCPs at Southern Health are evidence-based, transparent and accountable. Links to summaries of these decisions are available to the right of screen in the highlight box.

How are new TCPs monitored at Southern Health?

Once a new technology/clinical practice is approved, the secondary role of the TCPC is to monitor the performance of that procedure for a minimum of 12 months.
Southern Health Progress Report Template

Further Enquiries

The Centre for Clinical Effectiveness is the Secretariat for the Southern Health TCPC.  Please refer any enquiries or correspondence to

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