Uncertainty about AN-ACC and Care Minute strategies persists among providers

September 18, 2024 | Data

By Andrew Farmer, CEO and Partner

As part of our Target operating model for funding sustainability webinar, our survey of aged care providers across Australia revealed uncertainty regarding their AN-ACC and care minute strategies. With input from 211 respondents across 175 organisations, the results highlight key areas where providers are making progress and others where they can benefit from further support and improvements, especially in terms of efficiency, resource allocation, and data management. 

Progress in efficiency, but room for growth

While 53% of respondents agreed that their AN-ACC and care minute strategies are functioning adequately, only 3% strongly agreed that they have achieved optimal efficiency. A notable 37% were unsure about the effectiveness of their current processes, indicating that there may be opportunities to refine and strengthen approaches.

This feedback suggests that many providers are on the right path but may still be facing challenges such as refining their processes or enhancing staff training. With a focus on continuous improvement and reassessment of strategies, providers can unlock greater efficiencies and smoother operations. 

Resource allocation a key focus area 

When it comes to resource adequacy, 4% of respondents strongly agreed they had the necessary resources to manage AN-ACC and care minutes, while 55% felt they were adequately resourced. However, 34% expressed uncertainty, suggesting that resource allocation may not always be fully aligned with the demands of aged care operations. 

The varied responses reflect the diverse experiences within the sector. While many providers are finding ways to meet these demands, there may still be opportunities to optimise staffing, technology, and financial resources to further enhance service delivery. 

Enhancing transparency in Care Minute compliance

Transparency in care minute compliance was another area identified for improvement, with 6% of respondents strongly agreeing that they had daily visibility into compliance and future targets. Half of the respondents (50%) agreed that they had adequate visibility, but 29% were unsure, and 15% indicated they faced challenges in this area. 

This suggests that while many providers have made strides in compliance tracking, there is potential to enhance systems that provide real-time, actionable insights. Achieving clearer transparency can help organisations stay ahead of potential issues and ensure ongoing compliance. 

Data management moving towards automation 

The poll also revealed opportunities to improve data management practices. Just 4% of respondents strongly agreed that they had fully automated systems in place, while 43% agreed they were on track. However, 34% were uncertain, and 19% felt there was room for improvement in reducing manual processes. 

As data management is essential to effective operations, investing in more automated, secure systems could help reduce risks, streamline processes, and ensure greater accuracy. By adopting robust, integrated solutions, providers can safeguard their data and enhance overall efficiency. 

It’s encouraging to see the progress made by many providers, but it’s also clear that there is still some uncertainty around the best approaches to managing AN-ACC and care minute strategies. These results give us the opportunity to focus on areas where providers may need additional support, particularly in understanding and optimising critical processes. 

As the sector continues to evolve, it’s important for providers to have access to the right resources and technologies to feel confident in their strategies. We’re committed to helping aged care providers navigate these complexities and find solutions that work for them. 

Mirus Metrics is the only AN-ACC management system available to the industry, built for the industry. Talk to us about discounted trials.