Enhanced Access / Whiri e-learning programme
The Challenge
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora was introducing Enhanced Access, a national operating model based on the Whiri model of care, to improve equitable access to diagnostic radiology and cancer treatment services.
The programme supports people with high needs by reducing barriers to care, improving coordination across services, and strengthening equity in health outcomes. Successfully implementing the model required multiple audiences—including navigators, operations managers, and clinicians—to understand new processes while maintaining local autonomy, professional judgement, and whānau-centred care.
The challenge was to translate a complex national operating model into practical, engaging learning that could support consistent implementation across the country.
Our Approach
Synapsys partnered with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora to design a national e-learning programme that turned policy into practice.
We created role-specific learning that helped navigators, operations managers, and clinicians understand their responsibilities and confidently apply the Enhanced Access model in real workplace situations.
The programme combined:
- Realistic workplace scenarios
- Decision-based learning activities
- Practical tools and resources
- Plain-language guidance
- Consistent processes that supported good judgement rather than rigid compliance
Learning covered key aspects of the operating model, including:
- Health Needs Assessments
- Referral pathways
- Escalation and clinical review
- Local implementation
- Community-referred radiology
Towards the end of the project, we also refreshed the existing Whiri 101 module. Rather than redesigning content unnecessarily, we improved its accessibility, usability, and learner engagement while ensuring it aligned with the wider Enhanced Access programme.
The Impact
The resulting programme provided a clear line of sight between national objectives and everyday practice.
Learners were able to recognise what good practice looked like, understand how to apply shared processes, and build confidence making decisions in complex situations. The learning supported nationally consistent implementation while respecting local expertise, professional judgement, and the kaupapa at the heart of the Whiri model of care.
The result was a practical, respectful, and purpose-driven learning experience that helped embed Enhanced Access across Health New Zealand, supporting more equitable, coordinated, and whānau-centred care.
