Risk matrices for both staff and patients were developed by the Population Health Team at the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JHFMHN) for the correctional and youth justice environments. The correctional-specific risk matrix was based on matrices developed by Health Protection NSW to support healthcare workers and residential aged care facilities.
The matrices distilled the key advice required to manage COVID-19 in correctional and youth justice settings, eliminating the need to consult multiple documents. Development of the matrices involved extensive consultation with JHFMHN staff, Corrective Services NSW and Youth Justice stakeholders.
Introducing these matrices resulted in a reduction in dependence on the Population Health Team for advice and increased autonomy for managers when making relevant decisions. Staff were more easily able to find information and follow processes and, as the matrices were updated each time public health orders or other advice changed, communication of such changes to stakeholders was rapid.
Feedback following the implementation of the matrices included that limiting the number of documents and using consistent clear language had a significant impact in reducing errors; risks for patients and staff were reduced as processes were clearly identified; and outbreak management and containment were more effective and efficient where JHFMHN provided services.
Camilla Lobo1, Colette Mcgrath1
