Transforming Healthcare in Remote Communities: My Journey with the Best Practice Implementation Project
- By Heath Schreiweis
In my role as a Communications Officer, I was recently part of project in transforming healthcare across the Torres and Cape region. The Best Practice Implementation (BpI) Project was a major step towards unifying patient records under one Primary Healthcare Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This project aimed to unify patient records across 11 healthcare facilities, bringing them onto a single EMR system called Best Practice. It not only streamlinesd healthcare processes but also enhances the quality of care available to patients, especially those in remote communities.
The project impacted a diverse range of facilities spread across the region, including the communities of Cooktown, Hope Vale, Laura, Wujal Wujal, Weipa, Napranum, Mapoon, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, and Pormpuraaw. Prior to this project, these facilities often worked with multiple, fragmented record systems, which made it challenging to track patient history and share information across locations. These facilities are located in some of Queensland's most remote areas, making the unification of healthcare records particularly valuable, but project execution, somewhat difficult.
My role was focused on the branding, communications, and storytelling aspect of the BpI Project. It was essential to create a consistent visual and narrative identity for the project that would resonate with users across all locations. We wanted healthcare providers to feel supported and engaged throughout this transition, so we developed a strong brand presence, clear communication materials, and a familiar tone that helped bridge the gap between the technical system and its real-world impact.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my role was the opportunity to visit these remote communities, meet the healthcare providers on the ground, and capture their stories and experiences on camera. Travelling to places like Weipa, Coen, and Pormpuraaw, I was able to sit down with nurses, doctors, and administrative staff to discuss what this shift to Best Practice has meant for them and for their patients. These on-site interviews provided a platform for healthcare workers to voice their thoughts and share personal stories, and it was clear that the implementation of Best Practice was more than just a change in software—it was a change in how they connect with their communities and improve patient care.
These stories were powerful reminders of the real-world impact our project has made. From the increased efficiency in managing chronic diseases to better tracking family health histories, Best Practice is helping healthcare workers focus more on patient care and less on navigating multiple, fragmented record systems. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive; users were grateful for the streamlined system, and I was thrilled to see how the visuals, branding, and communications we developed helped reinforce the project’s importance and credibility.
This project showed me the profound impact that thoughtful branding, storytelling, and consistent communication can have in a healthcare setting. I am grateful to have been part of this journey. The insights I gained will continue to guide me as I seek to connect people and projects with purpose, always with a focus on making a real-world difference.
