Journal articles on the topic 'Community health services Australia'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Community health services Australia.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Community health services Australia.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Rosen, Alan, Roger Gurr, and Paul Fanning. "The future of community-centred health services in Australia: lessons from the mental health sector." Australian Health Review 34, no. 1 (2010): 106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah09741.
Full textAbstract:
•It is apparent that hospital-dominated health care produces limited health outcomes and is an unsustainable health care system strategy. •Community-centred health care has been demonstrated to be a more cost-efficient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-centred care, particularly for prevention and care of persistent, long-term or recurrent conditions. Nevertheless, hospital-centred services continue to dominate health care services in Australia, and some state governments have presided over a retreat from, or even dismantling of, community health services. •The reasons for these trends are explored. •The future of community health services in Australia is uncertain, and in some states under serious threat. We consider lessons from the partial dismantling of Australian community mental health services, despite a growing body of Australian and international studies finding in their favour. •Community-centred health services should be reconceptualised and resourced as the centre of gravity of local, effective and affordable health care services for Australia. A growing international expert consensus suggests that such community-centred health services should be placed in the centre of their communities, closely linked or collocated where possible with primary health care, and functionally integrated with their respective hospital-based services. What is known about the topic?Community-centred health care has been widely demonstrated to be a more cost-efficient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-centred care, particularly for prevention and care of persistent, long-term or recurrent conditions, e.g. in mental health service systems. A growing international expert consensus suggests that such community-centred health services should be placed in the centre of their communities, closely linked or collocated where possible with primary health care, and functionally integrated with their respective hospital-based services. What does this paper add?Despite this global consensus, hospital-centred services continue to dominate health care services in Australia, and some state governments have presided over a retreat from, or even dismantling of, community health services. The reasons for these trends and possible solutions are explored. What are the implications for practitioners?Unless this trend is reversed, the loss of convenient public access to community health services at shopping and transport hubs and the consequent compromising of intensive home-based clinical care, will lead to a deterioration of preventative interventions and the health care of long-term conditions, contrary to international studies and reviews.
2
Cheng, I.-Hao, Sayed Wahidi, Shiva Vasi, and Sophia Samuel. "Importance of community engagement in primary health care: the case of Afghan refugees." Australian Journal of Primary Health 21, no. 3 (2015): 262. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py13137.
Full textAbstract:
Refugees can experience problems accessing and utilising Australian primary health care services, resulting in suboptimal health outcomes. Little is known about the impact of their pre-migration health care experiences. This paper demonstrates how the Afghan pre-migration experiences of primary health care can affect engagement with Australian primary care services. It considers the implications for Australian primary health care policy, planning and delivery. This paper is based on the international experiences, insights and expert opinions of the authors, and is underpinned by literature on Afghan health-seeking behaviour. Importantly, Afghanistan and Australia have different primary health care strategies. In Afghanistan, health care is predominantly provided through a community-based outreach approach, namely through community health workers residing in the local community. In contrast, the Australian health care system requires client attendance at formal health service facilities. This difference contributes to service access and utilisation problems. Community engagement is essential to bridge the gap between the Afghan community and Australian primary health care services. This can be achieved through the health sector working to strengthen partnerships between Afghan individuals, communities and health services. Enhanced community engagement has the potential to improve the delivery of primary health care to the Afghan community in Australia.
3
Davidson, Fiona, Bobbie Clugston, Michelle Perrin, Megan Williams, Edward Heffernan, and Stuart A. Kinner. "Mapping the prison mental health service workforce in Australia." Australasian Psychiatry 28, no. 4 (December 23, 2019): 442–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1039856219891525.
Full textAbstract:
Objective: The rapidly growing number of people in prison in Australia, combined with the high prevalence of mental disorder in this population, results in high demand for mental health services in prison settings. Despite their critical role as part of a national mental health response, prison mental health services (PMHS) in Australia have been poorly characterised. In this paper, we describe findings of the first national survey of PMHS in Australia. Methods: We distributed a survey to key representatives of PMHS in all Australian states and territories in 2016. Results: Our method constitutes a replicable process for quantifying and comparing PMHS in Australia. We describe the structure, governance and staffing models in seven jurisdictions. When compared against international recommendations, only one Australian jurisdiction (the ACT) is funded to provide services at a level equivalent to mental health services provided in the community. Conclusion: Prison mental health services in Australia are delivered by a complex mix of government, private sector and non-government services. Services appear to be severely under-resourced when compared with the available benchmarks.
4
Baum, Fran. "Community Health Services and Managerialism." Australian Journal of Primary Health 2, no. 4 (1996): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py96053.
Full textAbstract:
In this paper, the impact is described of the introduction of the new public management (NPM) on community health services in Australia. From the late 1980s NPM techniques, modelled largely on private sector practices, have been popular with federal and state governments and have affected the management of community health services. Services have been amalgamated, asked to evaluate their work in inappropriate ways and been pressured to a quasi market form of operation. Three fundamantal differences between a primary health care and NPM approach to management are defined and discussed: whether the focus is on individuals or societies, whether it is on public service or profit, and whether it is on meaningful outcomes or those which appear measurable. The paper concludes with a call for the evaluation of the NPM and a return to a more civic and socially focussed public management.
5
Bartlett, Ben, and John Boffa. "Aboriginal Community Controlled Comprehensive Primary Health Care: The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress." Australian Journal of Primary Health 7, no. 3 (2001): 74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py01050.
Full textAbstract:
Aboriginal community controlled PHC services have led the way in Australia in developing a model of PHC service that is able to address social issues and the underlying determinants of health alongside high quality medical care. This model is characterised by a comprehensive style rather than the selective PHC model that tends to be more common in mainstream services. Central to comprehensive PHC is community control, which is critical to the bottom up approach rather than the top down approach of selective PHC. The expansion of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in Australia is a product of the colonial relationship that persists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia. It is this relationship that explains why community control has been a feature of Aboriginal PHC services while similar attempts in the dominant society have tended to be incorporated into the mainstream. The mechanisms of control occur through community processes and should not be confused with day to day management processes, although the two are related. The Core Functions of PHC is a framework that reflects the experience of ACCHSs and allows for the development and assessment of comprehensive PHC. This framework is applied to a case study of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Congress) which is the major Aboriginal health service in central Australia. The case study illustrates increasing utilisation of PHC services by Aboriginal people, and the capacity of community controlled organisations to respond to demographic and health pattern changes in their client populations.
6
Lavoie, Josée G., and Judith Dwyer. "Implementing Indigenous community control in health care: lessons from Canada." Australian Health Review 40, no. 4 (2016): 453. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah14101.
Full textAbstract:
Objective Over past decades, Australian and Canadian Indigenous primary healthcare policies have focused on supporting community controlled Indigenous health organisations. After more than 20 years of sustained effort, over 89% of eligible communities in Canada are currently engaged in the planning, management and provision of community controlled health services. In Australia, policy commitment to community control has also been in place for more than 25 years, but implementation has been complicated by unrealistic timelines, underdeveloped change management processes, inflexible funding agreements and distrust. This paper discusses the lessons from the Canadian experience to inform the continuing efforts to achieve the implementation of community control in Australia. Methods We reviewed Canadian policy and evaluation grey literature documents, and assessed lessons and recommendations for relevance to the Australian context. Results Our analysis yielded three broad lessons. First, implementing community control takes time. It took Canada 20 years to achieve 89% implementation. To succeed, Australia will need to make a firm long term commitment to this objective. Second, implementing community control is complex. Communities require adequate resources to support change management. And third, accountability frameworks must be tailored to the Indigenous primary health care context to be meaningful. Conclusions We conclude that although the Canadian experience is based on a different context, the processes and tools created to implement community control in Canada can help inform the Australian context. What is known about the topic? Although Australia has promoted Indigenous control over primary healthcare (PHC) services, implementation remains incomplete. Enduring barriers to the transfer of PHC services to community control have not been addressed in the largely sporadic attention to this challenge to date, despite significant recent efforts in some jurisdictions. What does this paper add? The Canadian experience indicates that transferring PHC from government to community ownership requires sustained commitment, adequate resourcing of the change process and the development of a meaningful accountability framework tailored to the sector. What are the implications for practitioners? Policy makers in Australia will need to attend to reform in contractual arrangements (towards pooled or bundled funding), adopt a long-term vision for transfer and find ways to harmonise the roles of federal and state governments. The arrangements achieved in some communities in the Australian Coordinated Care Trials (and still in place) provide a model.
7
Littleford, Angela, Debbie Martin, Lee Martinez, and Angela May. "Rural and Metropolitan Community Health: Celebrating the Strengths." Australian Journal of Primary Health 5, no. 3 (1999): 60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py99034.
Full textAbstract:
The paper outlines the strengths, similarities and differences of metropolitan and rural community health sectors. Case studies are used to look at the history of community health in South Australia, its current status is described and some future directions are proposed. Perspectives are drawn from the authors' collective experiences. Rural and metropolitan community health services in South Australia have developed from different models since they were established in the 1970s. Rural community health services have invariably been established as entities within hospitals and health services, although metropolitan community health services have generally been established as stand alone facilities independent of the acute sector. To illustrate this, two case studies are used to demonstrate the evolution of metropolitan and rural community health services.
8
Fry, D. "SYSTEMS OF STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA." International Journal for Quality in Health Care 2, no. 1 (March 1, 1990): 59–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/2.1.59.
Full text
9
Whiteford, Harvey, Bronwyn Macleod, and Elizabeth Leitch. "The National Mental Health Policy: Implications for Public Psychiatric Services in Australia." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 27, no. 2 (June 1993): 186–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048679309075767.
Full textAbstract:
The Health Ministers of all Australian States, Territories and the Commonwealth endorsed National Mental Health Policy in April 1992 [1]. This Policy is intended to set clear direction for the future development of mental health services within Australia. The Policy recognises the high prevalence of mental health problems and mental disorders in the Australian community and the impact of these on consumers, carers, families and society as whole. It also clearly accepts the need to address the problems confronting the promotion of mental health and the provision of mental health services.
10
Sandford, Donald, and Rob Elzinga. "The consumers of community mental health services within South Australia." Clinical Psychologist 3, no. 2 (January 1, 1998): 41–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13284209908521043.
Full text
11
Dwyer, Judith, and Sandra Leggat. "Australian Health Review call for papers." Australian Health Review 29, no. 4 (2005): 377. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah050377.
Full textAbstract:
The editors of Australian Health Review are seeking articles for an upcoming issue on mental health services in Australia and New Zealand. It is estimated that mental health problems and mental illness will affect more than 20% of the adult population in their lifetime and between 10%?15% of young people in any one year. In Australia, through the National Mental Health Strategy, all levels of Australian government have recognised the need to work together to reform services and policy to ensure that, wherever possible, people with a mental illness are able to enjoy the same opportunities as other Australians. In New Zealand, the Mental Health Commission envisions a place where people with mental illness have personal power, full participation in their communities and access to a fully developed range of recovery-oriented services. To help inform policy and practice, Australian Health Review is looking to publish research papers, case studies and commentaries related to mental health. Some potential topic areas include: � Governance and management � Consumer and community perspectives � Program evaluation and economic analysis � Impact of policy. Submissions related to international programs with lessons for Australia and New Zealand will also be welcomed. Submissions can be short commentaries of 1000 to 2000 words, or a more comprehensive review of the topic of 2000 to 3000 words. The deadline for submission is 15 February 2006.
12
Poirier, Brianna F., Joanne Hedges, Gustavo Soares, and Lisa M. Jamieson. "Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: An Act of Resistance against Australia’s Neoliberal Ideologies." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 16 (August 15, 2022): 10058. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610058.
Full textAbstract:
The individualistic and colonial foundations of neoliberal socio-political ideologies are embedded throughout Australian health systems, services, and discourses. Not only does neoliberalism undermine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collectivist values by emphasizing personal autonomy, but it has significant implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) operate within Community-oriented holistic understandings of well-being that contradict neoliberal values that Western health services operate within. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the role of ACCHS in resisting the pervasive nature of neoliberalism through the prioritization of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Utilizing a critical evaluative commentary, we reflect on Aboriginal political leadership and advocacy during the 1970s and 1980s and the development of neoliberalism in Australia in the context of ACCHS. Community controlled primary health services across Australia are the only remaining government-funded and Aboriginal-controlled organizations. Not only do ACCHS models resist neoliberal ideologies of reduced public expenditure and dominant individualistic models of care, but they also incontrovertibly strengthen individual and Community health. ACCHS remain the gold standard model by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to the self-determination of health in accordance with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
13
McCann, Warren. "Redeveloping Primary Health and Community Support Services in Victoria." Australian Journal of Primary Health 6, no. 4 (2000): 36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py00032.
Full textAbstract:
Why Primary Care Reforms?: It gives me very great pleasure to have been asked to speak at this major international Conference about redeveloping primary health and community support services in Victoria. While opening the Conference, the Victorian Minister for Health, the Honourable John Thwaites, launched the Primary Care Partnership Strategy which is one of the most ambitious and far reaching primary health and community support reform agendas in Australia.
14
Turner, Nalita Nungarrayi, Judy Taylor, Sarah Larkins, Karen Carlisle, Sandra Thompson, Maureen Carter, Michelle Redman-MacLaren, and Ross Bailie. "Conceptualizing the Association Between Community Participation and CQI in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC Services." Qualitative Health Research 29, no. 13 (April 23, 2019): 1904–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1049732319843107.
Full textAbstract:
Drawing from Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, we conceptualize the association between community participation and continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes in Indigenous primary health care (PHC) services. Indigenous experiences of community participation were drawn from our study identifying contextual factors affecting CQI processes in high-improving PHC services. Using case study design, we collected quantitative and qualitative data at the micro-, meso-, and macro-health system level in 2014 and 2015 in six services in northern Australia. Analyzing qualitative data, we found community participation was an important contextual factor in five of the six services. Embedded in cultural foundations, cultural rules, and expectations, community participation involved interacting elements of trusting relationships in metaphorically safe spaces, and reciprocated learning about each other’s perspectives. Foregrounding Indigenous perspectives on community participation might assist more effective participatory processes in Indigenous PHC including in CQI processes.
15
Alexander, M. "Telemedicine in Australia. 2: The Health Communication Network." Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 2, no. 1 (March 1, 1996): 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/1357633961929079.
Full textAbstract:
The Health Communication Network HCN in Australia is reviewed. Early interest from both the government and the medical community led to the establishment of a number of pilot services. Because of the community interest in privacy issues, determined efforts to understand and build structures to cope with privacy have been made. The first HCN services began to be tested in 1995, and progressive expansion is planned. The HCN, while supported by the government, is a separate, commercial entity, and much early work has thus focused on corporate governance, so that it will be able to do what it was designed for.
16
Ban, Paul. "Access and attitudes to health care of Torres Strait Islanders living in mainland Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 10, no. 2 (2004): 29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py04023.
Full textAbstract:
Ninety-two mainland Torres Strait Islanders, across five communities on mainland Australia, were consulted in relation to their access to health service providers. Similar numbers were interviewed in different-sized locations encompassing urban, rural, and remote areas. This exploratory study was the first to consider the health access issues of mainland Torres Strait Islanders. Overall, community controlled health services were the most commonly used exclusive health service providers, followed by private medical services and hospital outpatient services. The two most common reasons for the choice of health service provider in each community were convenience of access and the quality of relationship and trust with the medical staff. In general, the Torres Strait Islanders interviewed stated they are not comfortable seeking medical treatment, and delay accessing any health services. There was a high level of satisfaction in all communities with private medical services. Concerns were raised regarding long waiting periods at community controlled health services and hospital outpatient services, along with lack of confidentiality at community controlled health services. People wanted to see Torres Strait Islander staff at community controlled health services and hospital outpatient services to help facilitate greater access.
17
Reilly, Stephen P. "Australian Sojourn." Bulletin of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 9, no. 8 (August 1985): 155–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/pb.9.8.155.
Full textAbstract:
Community psychiatry means different things to different people. Since the 1970s the American model of community psychiatry based on mental health clinics has attracted heavy criticism, whilst the UK concept of rooting community psychiatric services firmly within primary health care has gained increasing support. The need for community-orientated psychiatric services is generally agreed upon but definition of community and the mode of delivery are not. In Australia both free and private health care are available; community health centres and community mental health clinics exist (sometimes literally) side by side.
18
Milner, Karla, and Nigar G. Khawaja. "Sudanese Refugees in Australia: The Impact of Acculturation Stress." Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology 4, no. 1 (May 1, 2010): 19–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1375/prp.4.1.19.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractRefugees from Sudan are the fastest growing community in Australia. Australian mental health professionals have to be prepared to offer services to this ethnic group along with the other mainstream and diverse consumers. In order to offer culturally competent services, these mental health professionals are required to be familiar with this emerging community. As such, a review was undertaken with two main goals. Firstly, the review aimed to educate Australian mental health professionals about the demographics and culture of Sudan, the traumas encountered as a result of the civil war, factors leading to massive exodus and the difficulties of the transit and postmigration phase. Secondly, the review intended to inform Australian mental health professionals about the possible acculturation stress that is manifested in the form of intergeneration and role conflict and marital difficulties. The review highlights limitations on the number of studies addressing acculturation stress of Sudanese refugees and even fewer on the impact it has on relationships. Future research directions are discussed.
19
Northam, Jaimie Chloe, and Lynne Elizabeth Magor-Blatch. "Adolescent therapeutic community treatment – an Australian perspective." Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities 37, no. 4 (December 12, 2016): 204–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/tc-01-2016-0002.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the adolescent therapeutic community (ATC) literature – drawing on studies primarily from the USA with consideration made to the Australian context. Design/methodology/approach A review of the efficacy research for ATCs is considered, and the characteristics of Australians accessing ATC treatment are discussed in the context of developmental needs. Findings Similarities are found in what precipitates and perpetuates adolescent substance use in the USA and Australia, and therefore, what appears to facilitate effective treatment utilising the therapeutic community model. Originality/value The paper provides a valuable perspective for Australian services, and explores the application of the ATC model within the Australian treatment context.
20
Swerissen, Hal. "Hints for Reforming Primary and Community Care in Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 14, no. 3 (2008): 68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py08038.
Full textAbstract:
Considerable interest in reform for primary health care and health more generally has emerged recently. There are concerns that primary and community services are fragmented, inequitable and inefficient, particularly for people with chronic and complex conditions. The evidence suggests there will be a significant increase in demand for these services and that stronger primary health care systems lead to better health outcomes. This paper makes a number of suggestions about the development of funding, payment, governance and organisational arrangements that could be part of a National Primary Health Care Strategy for Australia.
21
Creammer, Mark, and Bruce Singh. "An Integrated Approach to Veteran and Military Mental Health: An Overview of the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health." Australasian Psychiatry 11, no. 2 (June 2003): 225–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1039-8562.2003.00514.x.
Full textAbstract:
Objective: To provide an overview of the development of mental health services for veterans and currently serving military personnel in Australia, with reference to the role of the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH). Conclusions: Recent years have seen significant changes in attitudes to the mental health sequelae of military service. The ACPMH, working in collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as with clinicians, researchers, and consumers around Australia, acts as a focus for an integrated approach to veteran and military mental health. The active involvement of both the ADF and DVA in the challenge of mental health provides new opportunities to address psychiatric morbidity at every stage, from recruitment, through deployments and discharge, to veteran status. The ACPMH is in a unique position to facilitate an integrated approach to prevention, intervention, policy development, training, research, and evaluation in order to ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of world's best practice in veteran and military psychiatry. The Centre is also uniquely placed to offer those same services in the field of traumatic stress to the broader community.
22
Guzys, Diana, Guinever Threlkeld, Virginia Dickson-Swift, and Amanda Kenny. "Rural and regional community health service boards: perceptions of community health – a Delphi study." Australian Journal of Primary Health 23, no. 6 (2017): 543. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py16123.
Full textAbstract:
Much has been written about the composition of health service boards and the importance of recruiting people with skills appropriate for effective and accountable governance of health services. Governance training aims to educate directors on their governance responsibilities; however, the way in which these responsibilities are discharged is informed by board members’ understanding of health within their communities. The aim of this study was to identify how those engaged in determining the strategic direction of local regional or rural community health services in Victoria, Australia, perceived the health and health improvement needs of their community. The Delphi technique was employed to facilitate communication between participants from difference geographic locations. The findings of the study highlight the different ways that participants view the health of their community. Participants prioritised indicators of community health that do not align with standard measures used by government to plan for, fund or report on health. Devolved governance of healthcare services aims to improve local healthcare responsiveness. Yet, if not accompanied with the redistribution of resources and power, policy claimed to promote localised decision-making is simply tokenistic.
23
Bourke, Sharon L., Claire Harper, Elianna Johnson, Janet Green, Ligi Anish, Miriam Muduwa, and Linda Jones. "Health Care Experiences in Rural, Remote, and Metropolitan Areas of Australia." Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care 21, no. 1 (May 4, 2021): 67–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i1.652.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Australia is a vast land with extremes in weather and terrain. Disparities exist between the health of those who reside in the metropolitan areas versus those who reside in the rural and remote areas of the country. Australia has a public health system called Medicare; a basic level of health cover for all Australians that is funded by taxpayers. Most of the hospital and health services are located in metropolitan areas, however for those who live in rural or remote areas the level of health service provision can be lower; with patients required to travel long distances for health care.
Purpose: This paper will explore the disparities experienced by Australians who reside in regional and remote areas of Australia.
Method: A search of the literature was performed from healthcare databases using the search terms: healthcare, rural and remote Australia, and social determinants of health in Australia.
Findings: Life in the rural and remote areas of Australia is identified as challenging compared to the metropolitan areas. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes are particularly vulnerable to morbidities associated with poor access to health resources and the lack of service provision.
Conclusion: Australia has a world class health system. It has been estimated that 70% of the Australian population resides in large metropolitan areas and remaining 30% distributed across rural and remote communities. This means that 30% of the population are not experiencing their health care as ‘world-class’, but rather are experiencing huge disparities in their health outcomes.
Keywords: rural and remote, health access, mental health issues, social determinants
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v21i1.652
24
Crowe, B. L., and I. G. Mcdonald. "Telemedicine in Australia. Recent developments." Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 3, no. 4 (December 1, 1997): 188–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/1357633971931147.
Full textAbstract:
There have been a number of important developments in Australia in the area of telemedicine. At the national level, the House of Representatives' Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs has been conducting the Inquiry into Health Information Management and Telemedicine. The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council has supported the establishment of a working party convened by the South Australian Health Commission to prepare a detailed report on issues relating to telemedicine. State governments have begun a number of telemedicine projects, including major initiatives in New South Wales and Victoria and the extensive development of telepsychiatry services in Queensland. Research activities in high-speed image transmission have been undertaken by the Australian Computing and Communications Institute and Telstra, and by the Australian Navy. The matter of the funding of both capital and recurrent costs of telemedicine services has not been resolved, and issues of security and privacy of medical information are subject to discussion. The use of the Internet as a universal communications medium may provide opportunities for the expansion of telemedicine services, particularly in the area of continuing medical education. A need has been recognized for the coordinated evaluation of telemedicine services as cost-benefit considerations are seen to be very important.
25
Coombs, Elizabeth M. "Home Support Services in Australia:." Home Health Care Services Quarterly 5, no. 3-4 (June 21, 1985): 175–206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/j027v05n03_09.
Full text
26
J. Tranter, Paul. "Motor Racing in Australia: Health Damaging or Health Promoting?" Australian Journal of Primary Health 9, no. 1 (2003): 50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py03006.
Full textAbstract:
Motor racing, as it is currently practiced in Australia, may have a range of implications for public health. These effects are not limited to the active participants. The health of spectators and the wider community may also be influenced. Motor racing presents some positive public health messages; for example, some Australian motor racing personalities have promoted safe driving practices, including limiting alcohol consumption while driving. However, motor racing may also impact negatively on public health. The negative health impacts of motor racing relate to road accidents, alcohol and tobacco sponsorship, noise and air pollution, and the disruption of "healthy" modes of transport such as walking and cycling. Motor racing on city street circuits can also have negative impacts on the efficient functioning of hospitals, medical practices and emergency services. Some changes in the way that motor sport is conducted in Australia may provide some high profile opportunities for the promotion of healthier lifestyles.
27
Lien, On. "Attitudes of the Vietnamese Community towards Mental Illness." Australasian Psychiatry 1, no. 3 (August 1993): 110–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10398569309081340.
Full textAbstract:
There are approximately 155,000 Vietnamese born people in Australia, with 46,000 in Victoria. The majority came to Australia as refugees. Many were subjected to the reality or threat of war, persecution, imprisonment, discrimination, economic deprivation, violence, the loss of family or other major stressors. These stressors have included the hazards of the escape, lengthy stays in refugee camps and, on arrival in Australia, lack of familiarity with English and with the culture. The Vietnamese Community in Australia was expected to have a high prevalence of mental illness, especially when newly arrived from refugee camps. In a study published in 1986 as “The Price of Freedom” [1] 32% of the young Vietnamese adult group was found to suffer from psychiatric disorder. At follow-up two years later, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder, without any major intervention, had dropped to 5–6%, a prevalence lower than that in the Australian-born community. In addition, the Vietnamese community's use of mental health services (inpatient and community-based) is lower than that of any other ethnic group.
28
Jolley, Gwyn. "Performance measurement for community health services: opportunities and challenges." Australian Health Review 26, no. 3 (2003): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah030133.
Full textAbstract:
This paper presents findings from a study that investigated performance measurement for primary health care servicesdelivered by the community health sector, and assessed the effectiveness and value of a performance measurementapproach in the evaluation of these services. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholdersin South Australia. The findings indicate that three major steps are needed to move forward in the use of performancemeasurement in the community health sector. These steps are i) development of a policy and strategy statement forcommunity health, ii) identification of performance domains and indicators, and iii) development of appropriatedata systems.
29
Rendalls, Shane, Allan D. Spigelman, Catherine Goodwin, and Nataliya Daniel. "Health service engagement with consumers and community in Australia for issue." International Journal of Health Governance 24, no. 4 (November 21, 2019): 274–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijhg-05-2019-0039.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of consumer and community engagement in health service planning, quality improvement and programme evaluation in Australia, and key components and importance of a strong suite of tools for achieving effective outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a non-systematic review of Australian national, state and territory websites in relation to policy commitment to consumer engagement, best practice framework for consumer engagement and recent project example. Findings Consumer engagement is a recognised component of the Australian health system. It is reflected in the national and state health policy and is a mandatory requirement of hospital accreditation. The application of co-design principles is gaining increasing popularity in health service planning and programme evaluation. Co-design is an important enabler of patient/community-centred service planning and evaluation; however, on its own it may lead to poorer outcomes. Co-design must occur within a broader systemic framework. Practical implications The research identifies a conceptual framework, approaches and tools of value to health service management and planners. Originality/value Consumer and community engagements are critical to the development of consumer-centric services. However, this should complement and add value to, not divert attention away from established principles of service planning, continuous quality improvement and programme evaluation. To do so may result in poorer quality health and well-being outcomes, reduced efficiency and ultimately reduced consumer and community satisfaction with services. This paper examines consumer and community engagement within the broader planning and quality improvement framework and practical implications for keeping planning, research and evaluation on track.
30
O'connor, Daniel, and Pamela Melding. "A Survey of Publicly Funded aged Psychiatry Services in Australia and New Zealand." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 40, no. 4 (April 2006): 368–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/j.1440-1614.2006.01804.x.
Full textAbstract:
Objective: To map the size and distribution of publicly funded aged psychiatry (psychogeriatric) services in Australia and New Zealand in 2003. Method: Services were tracked exhaustively through personal, professional and academic contacts, electronic searches and word-of-mouth. Directors or managers of services were asked to complete a brief questionnaire concerning their locality, services, staff profile and patient contacts. Results: Services varied widely with respect to their numbers, size and community outreach. Victoria was the only Australian state to provide specialist, multidisciplinary aged psychiatry teams with community, acute inpatient and residential arms in all its major cities. New South Wales, the state with the largest aged population, performed relatively poorly on most indicators. New Zealand performed relatively well despite its small size and widely dispersed population. Conclusions: Publicly funded aged mental health services are effective and reach frail, multiply disabled old people who cannot access private psychiatrists and are often overlooked by services for younger adults. At the time of our survey, such services were distributed in Australia in a highly inequitable fashion.
31
Dineen-Griffin, Sarah, Shalom I. Benrimoj, and Victoria Garcia-Cardenas. "Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Australia." Pharmacy Practice 18, no. 2 (May 15, 2020): 1967. http://dx.doi.org/10.18549/pharmpract.2020.2.1967.
Full textAbstract:
There is evidence that the Australian Government is embracing a more integrated approach to health, with implementation of initiatives like primary health networks (PHNs) and the Government’s Health Care Homes program. However, integration of community pharmacy into primary health care faces challenges, including the lack of realistic integration in PHNs, and in service and remuneration models from government. Ideally, coordinated multidisciplinary teams working collaboratively in the community setting are needed, where expanding skills are embraced rather than resisted. It appears that community pharmacy is not sufficiently represented at a local level. Current service remuneration models encourage a volume approach. While more complex services and clinical roles, with associated remuneration structures (such as, accredited pharmacists, pharmacists embedded in general practice and residential aged care facilities) promote follow up, collaboration and integration into primary health care, they potentially marginalize community pharmacies. Community pharmacists’ roles have evolved and are being recognized as the medication management experts of the health care team at a less complex level with the delivery of MedChecks, clinical interventions and medication adherence services. More recently, vaccination services have greatly expanded through community pharmacy. Policy documents from professional bodies highlight the need to extend pharmacy services and enhance integration within primary care. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Pharmacists in 2023 report envisages pharmacists practising to full scope, driving greater efficiencies in the health system. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s future vision identifies community pharmacy as health hubs facilitating the provision of cost-effective and integrated health care services to patients. In 2019, the Australian Government announced the development of a Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan which will guide resource allocation for primary health care in Australia. At the same time, the Government has committed to conclude negotiations on the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) with a focus on allowing pharmacists to practice to full scope and pledges to strengthen the role of primary care by better supporting pharmacists as primary health care providers. The 7CPA and the Government’s 10-year plan will largely shape the practice and viability of community pharmacy. It is essential that both provide a philosophical direction and prioritize integration, remuneration and resources which recognize the professional contribution and competencies of community pharmacy and community pharmacists, the financial implications of service roles and the retention of medicines-supply roles.
32
Waghorn, G. "Integrating vocational services into Australian community mental health services." Acta Neuropsychiatrica 18, no. 6 (December 2006): 273. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0924270800030878.
Full text
33
Ellis, Andrew. "Forensic psychiatry and mental health in Australia: an overview." CNS Spectrums 25, no. 2 (October 7, 2019): 119–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1092852919001299.
Full textAbstract:
This article reviews the development of forensic psychiatry and mental health services in Australia for the international reader. It covers the legacy of a series of colonial systems that have contributed to a modern health service that interacts with justice systems. The development of relevant legislation, hospitals, prison services, community, and courts services is reviewed. The training and academic development of professionals is covered. Gaps in service delivery and future directions are considered.
34
Fakih, Souhiela, Jennifer L. Marriott, and Safeera Y. Hussainy. "A national mailed survey exploring weight management services across Australian community pharmacies." Australian Journal of Primary Health 21, no. 2 (2015): 197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py13118.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigated pharmacists’ and pharmacy assistants’ current weight management recommendations to consumers across Australian community pharmacies using a mailed questionnaire. Two questionnaires were developed, one for pharmacists and one for pharmacy assistants, each divided into five sections. One pharmacist and pharmacy assistant questionnaire were mailed in November 2011 to a systematic sample of 3000 pharmacies across Australia for one pharmacist and pharmacy assistant each to complete. A total of 537 pharmacist and 403 pharmacy assistant responses, from 880 different pharmacies, were received. Overall 94.5% (n = 832/880) of associated pharmacies stocked weight loss products and 48.2% (n = 424/880) offered a weight management program. Both pharmacists and pharmacy assistants felt that the development of pharmacy-specific educational resources and additional training would help improve their ability to provide weight management services. Australian pharmacists and pharmacy assistants currently appear to be providing weight management services to consumers; however, not all their recommendations are evidence based. The need for additional training for pharmacy staff in areas identified as lacking and the development of pharmacy weight management educational resources needs to be addressed.
35
Rose, Vanessa K., Elizabeth Harris, Elizabeth Comino, Teresa Anderson, and Mark F. Harris. "GP and community nurse co-location in a disadvantaged community." Australian Journal of Primary Health 17, no. 4 (2011): 300. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py11054.
Full textAbstract:
People living in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have a high burden of disease but often receive ‘inverse care’. We explored a model of general practitioner and community nurse co-location in a disadvantaged community in south-west Sydney, Australia. Co-location resulted in increased referrals from doctors to the community nurse, including an increase in referrals related to psychosocial issues. This small study suggests integrated primary health care might have an impact on specialised state-based psychosocial health services.
36
Smyth, V. A. "(A166) Disaster Risk Reduction - Extreme Heat Preparedness." Prehospital and Disaster Medicine 26, S1 (May 2011): s48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x11001646.
Full textAbstract:
BackgroundSouth Australia is often referred to as the driest state in the driest continent on earth and the community expects summers to be hot. However since 2007 South Australia has experienced several periods of extreme heat which have challenged and required the emergency services including health to consider a new preparedness approach. Any extreme weather condition can cause disruption to the community and the effects of such events as extreme heat are not always immediately obvious. However these effects can silently cause death and an increase to the health burden of the community.DiscussionIn South Australia the term ‘Extreme Heat’ as opposed to ‘Heatwave’ has been quite deliberately chosen as this describes more accurately an unusual climatic situation characterised by higher temperatures and greater length of time than normally expected. A number of studies have been undertaken to consider the impact on the health of the South Australian community and its health services and specfic action plans and communication strategies have been developed to respond to extreme heat and encourage an increasing level of community resilience. This paper will describe recent events, some of the research undertaken and the preparedness, planning and response strategies implemented to reduce and manage the risk.ConclusionThe response strategies introduced in South Australia have been recognised for their excellence and in 2010 SA Health was the recipient of several awards at both state and national level for this work.
37
Byrne, Louise, Michael Wilson, Karena J. Burke, Cadeyrn J. Gaskin, and Brenda Happell. "Mental health service delivery: a profile of mental health non-government organisations in south-east Queensland, Australia." Australian Health Review 38, no. 2 (2014): 202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah13208.
Full textAbstract:
Objective Non-government organisations make a substantial contribution to the provision of mental health services; despite this, there has been little research and evaluation targeted at understanding the role played by these services within the community mental health sector. The aim of the present study was to examine the depth and breadth of services offered by these organisations in south-east Queensland, Australia, across five key aspects of reach and delivery. Methods Representatives from 52 purposively targeted non-government organisations providing mental health services to individuals with significant mental health challenges were interviewed regarding their approach to mental health service provision. Results The findings indicated a diverse pattern of service frameworks across the sector. The results also suggested a positive approach to the inclusion of consumer participation within the organisations, with most services reporting, at the very least, some form of consumer advocacy within their processes and as part of their services. Conclusions This paper offers an important first look at the nature of non-government service provision within the mental health sector and highlights the importance of these organisations within the community sector. What is known about the topic? Non-government organisations make a substantial contribution to the multisectorial provision of services to mental health consumers in community settings. Non-government organisations in Australia are well established, with 79.9% of them being in operation for over 10 years. There is an increasing expectation that consumers influence the development, delivery and evaluation of mental health services, especially in the community sector. What does this paper add? This paper provides a profile of non-government organisations in one state in Australia with respect to the services they provide, the consumers they target, the practice frameworks they use, the use of peer workers and consumer participation, the success they have had with obtaining funding and the extent to which they collaborate with other services. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper provides readers with an understanding of the non-government organisations and the services they provide to people with mental health conditions. In addition, the findings provide an opportunity to learn from the experience of non-government organisations in implementing consumer participation initiatives.
38
Bestman, Amy, Jane Lloyd, Barbara Hawkshaw, Jawat Kabir, and Elizabeth Harris. "The Rohingya Little Local: exploring innovative models of refugee engagement in Sydney, Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 26, no. 5 (2020): 367. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py20045.
Full textAbstract:
The Rohingya community living in the City of Canterbury-Bankstown in Sydney have been identified as a priority population with complex health needs. As part of ongoing work, AU$10000 was provided to the community to address important, self-determined, health priorities through the Can Get Health in Canterbury program. Program staff worked with community members to support the planning and implementation of two community-led events: a soccer (football) tournament and a picnic day. This paper explores the potential for this funding model and the effect of the project on both the community and health services. Data were qualitatively analysed using a range of data sources within the project. These included, attendance sheets, meeting minutes, qualitative field notes, staff reflections and transcripts of focus group and individual discussions. This analysis identified that the project: (1) enabled community empowerment and collective control over funding decisions relating to their health; (2) supported social connection among the Australian Rohingya community; (3) built capacity in the community welfare organisation –Burmese Rohingya Community Australia; and (4) enabled reflective practice and learnings. This paper presents an innovative model for engaging with refugee communities. Although this project was a pilot in the Canterbury community, it provides knowledge and learnings on the engagement of refugee communities with the health system in Australia.
39
Kingi, Roman, Wani Erick, Vili Hapaki Nosa, Janine Paynter, and Debra de Silva. "Pasifika preferences for mental health support in Australia: focus group study." Pacific Health Dialog 21, no. 7 (June 22, 2021): 373–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.26635/phd.2021.110.
Full textAbstract:
Introduction: Mental wellbeing is a growing health issue for Pacific Islands communities (Pasifika), particularly amongst people who have resettled in a different country. We explored whether Pasifika people living in Australia think mental health services meet their needs. Methods: We ran eight two-hour focus groups with 183 adults living in Queensland, Australia. There were representatives from the following ethnic groups: Cook Islands, Fiji, Maori, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga. We also included mental health providers. We analysed the feedback using thematic analysis. Findings: Pasifika people welcomed having an opportunity to discuss mental wellbeing openly. They said that economic issues, social isolation, cultural differences, shame and substance use contributed to increasingly poor mental health amongst Pasifika communities in Australia. They wanted to work with mainstream services to develop culturally appropriate and engaging models to support mental wellbeing. They suggested opportunities to harness churches, community groups, schools, social media and radio to raise awareness about mental health. Conclusions: Working in partnership with Pasifika communities could strengthen mainstream mental health services and reduce the burden on acute services in Australia. This could include collecting better ethnicity data to help plan services, empowering community structures to promote mental wellbeing and training staff to support Pasifika communities. The key message was that services can work ‘with’ Pasifika communities, not ‘to’ them.
40
Rezaei, Omid, Hossein Adibi, and Vicki Banham. "Integration Experiences of Former Afghan Refugees in Australia: What Challenges Still Remain after Becoming Citizens?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 19 (October 8, 2021): 10559. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910559.
Full textAbstract:
This paper explores, analyses, and documents the experiences of Afghan-Australians who arrived in Australia as refugees and were granted citizenship after living in Australia for several years. This research adopted a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approaches and surveyed 102 people, interviewed 13 participants, and conducted two focus-groups within its research design. Analysis of data indicates that former Afghan refugees gradually settled down and integrated within Australian society. They value safety and security, open democracy and orderly society of Australia, as well as accessing to education and healthcare services and opportunity for social mobility. However, since the integration is a long process, they are also facing some challenges in this area. Findings of this study show that Afghan-Australians require more support from Australian governments to overcome some of these challenges particularly securing employment within their area of interests and professional occupations that they have qualifications and experiences from Afghanistan. They are also experiencing broader challenges in the area of socio-cultural issues within Australian society. Since the Afghan community is an emerging community in Western Australia, they require more support from local government to enhance their ethnic cohesion and solidarity.
41
Hoodless, Mary, and Frank Evans. "The Multipurpose Service Program: The Best Health Service Option for Rural Australia." Australian Journal of Primary Health 7, no. 1 (2001): 90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py01015.
Full textAbstract:
Small relatively isolated rural communities in Australia have been provided with the opportunity to address the difficulties surrounding the provision of health services. The Multi Purpose Services (MPS) program was initiated in 1991 when it was identified that small rural communities have been disadvantaged by separated Commonwealth and state funding arrangements and the criteria for these arrangements where services were often unable to be sustained separately. The MPS program provided the opportunity for sustainability through flexibility and pooling of resources. The application of a primary health care framework would enable more community consultation and participation in reorientating rural health services. Upper Murray Health and Community Services (UMH&CS), a small rural health service in North East Victoria, embraced the concept and undertook a rigorous Evidence Based Needs Assessment to reorientate its health service. The needs assessment combined a sociodemographic, epidemiological and community consultative approach. Evidence of best practice was identified and the recommendations were used for ongoing service development. UMH&CS represents a highly integrated health service and as such a number of strategies are used to enable the continuum of care. These include point of contact advocacy, continuum and coordination of care and the use of a standardised multidisciplinary assessment and outcome based care plan. This paper expands on these processes and the opportunities the MPS has provided to address the health needs of small rural communities.
42
Henderson, Saras, and Elizabeth Kendall. "'Community navigators': making a difference by promoting health in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Logan, Queensland." Australian Journal of Primary Health 17, no. 4 (2011): 347. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py11053.
Full textAbstract:
A key component of the 2011 Australian National Health Reform, via the Access and Equity Policy, is to improve access to quality health services for all Australians including CALD communities. Awareness has been raised that certain CALD communities in Australia experience limited access to health care and services, resulting in poor health outcomes. To address this issue, the Community Navigator Model was developed and implemented in four CALD communities in Logan, Queensland, through a partnership between government and non-government organisations. The model draws on local natural leaders selected by community members who then act as a conduit between the community and health service providers. Nine ‘navigators’ were selected from communities with low service access including the Sudanese, Burmese, Afghan and Pacific Islander communities. The navigators were trained and employed at one of two local non-government organisations. The navigators’ role included assessing client needs, facilitating health promotion, supporting community members to access health services, supporting general practitioners (GPs) to use interpreters and making referrals to health services. This paper explores the ‘lived experience’ of the navigators using a phenomenological approach. The findings revealed three common themes, namely: (1) commitment to an altruistic attitude of servility allowing limitless community access to their services; (2) becoming knowledge brokers, with a focus on the social determinants of health; and (3) ‘walking the walk’ to build capacity and achieving health outcomes for the community. These themes revealed the extent to which the role of CALD community navigators has the potential to make a difference to health equity in these communities, thus contributing to the Australian National Health Reform.
43
Walker, Rae, and Hal Swerissen. "Editorial: Recording Excellence in Primary Care Practice." Australian Journal of Primary Health 9, no. 1 (2003): 7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py03001.
Full textAbstract:
In this issue of the Australian Journal of Primary Health we publish papers that reflect the diverse approaches to knowledge characteristic of primary health care. There are articles on policy and management at the system level (for example, Primary health care research and evaluation development strategy in the Northern Territory), critical reviews of programs and community activities (for example, Motor racing in Australia: Health damaging or health promoting), and the community experiences of health and health services (for example, Communication and control in the co-construction of depression ...). The range of research valued in primary care is reflected in these articles.
44
Mann, Jennifer, Sue Devine, and Robyn McDermott. "Integrated care for community dwelling older Australians." Journal of Integrated Care 27, no. 2 (April 15, 2019): 173–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jica-10-2018-0063.
Full textAbstract:
PurposeIntegrated care is gaining popularity in Australian public policy as an acceptable means to address the needs of the unwell aged. The purpose of this paper is to investigate contemporary models of integrated care for community dwelling older persons in Australia and discuss how public policy has been interpreted at the service delivery level to improve the quality of care for the older person.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review was conducted for peer-reviewed and grey literature on integrated care for the older person in Australia. Publications from 2007 to present that described community-based enablement models were included.FindingsCare co-ordination is popular in assisting the older person to bridge the gap between existing, disparate health and social care services. The role of primary care is respected but communication with the general practitioner and introduction of new roles into an existing system is challenging. Older persons value the role of the care co-ordinator and while robust model evaluation is rare, there is evidence of integrated care reducing emergency department presentations and stabilising quality of life of participants. Technology is an underutilised facilitator of integration in Australia. Innovative funding solutions and a long-term commitment to health system redesign is required for integrated care to extend beyond care co-ordination.Originality/valueThis scoping review summarises the contemporary evidence base for integrated care for the community dwelling older person in Australia and proposes the barriers and enablers for consideration of implementation of any such model within this health system.
45
McMurray, Anne, Nancy Hudson-Rodd, Salma Al Khudairi, and Raelene Roydhouse. "Family health and health services utilisation in Belmont, Western Australia: a community case study." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 22, no. 1 (January 1998): 107–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-842x.1998.tb01153.x.
Full text
46
Cunningham, Paul A. "The future of community-centred health services in Australia - an alternative view." Australian Health Review 36, no. 2 (2012): 121. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah11013.
Full textAbstract:
Community-centred healthcare works in conjunction with hospital-centred healthcare. Both have strengths and limitations. Community-centred healthcare has been demonstrated to be a more cost-efficient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-centred care at best in a limited fashion. If hospital-centred services dominate healthcare services in Australia, as argued previously in this journal, then this has not extended to maintenance of inpatient bed provision. The author, as a hospital-based emergency specialist, has observed case load and models of care in hospitals and emergency departments for 30 years and is sceptical of promises to substantially further decrease emergency department demand and acute bed requirements. The real benefits of community, primary and preventive care should not be over sold. What is known about the topic? Community-centred healthcare has not been widely demonstrated to be a more cost-efficient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-centred care for acute conditions, even when these conditions are superimposed on a chronic condition. What does this paper add? The author makes a plea for a reasoned and evidence-based approach to the distribution of finite health resources. Experts in the fields of acute, chronic and preventive health measures should present plans that less knowledgeable decision makers can implement appropriately. What are the implications for practitioners? Experienced health experts need to balance the argument, including advocacy for adequate acute care and hospital-based services. Practitioners who require acute hospital beds for the safe and humane management of their patients may need to argue for legislative definition of bed numbers per population size.
47
Cramer, Jennifer. "COMMENTARY: A BLIND EYE: COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES IN REMOTE AREAS OF AUSTRALIA." Community Health Studies 11, no. 2 (February 12, 2010): 135–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-6405.1987.tb00143.x.
Full text
48
Rosen, Alan, Roger Gurr, Paul Fanning, and Alan Owen. "The future of community-centred health services in Australia: 'When too many beds are not enough'." Australian Health Review 36, no. 3 (2012): 239. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ahv36n3_re.
Full textAbstract:
The authors welcome a constructive debate on the future of community-centred health services. Therefore, we have written this piece in response to an article published by Cunningham in the previous edition of the Australian Health Review (Cunningham, Australian Health Review 2012; 36: 121–124), which was a very limited analysis and misleading critique of our previous contribution to this journal (Rosen et al. Australian Health Review 2010; 34: 106–115). The focus here is necessarily brief and does not stand in for a detailed analysis of the evidence base. The aim instead, is to draw attention back to the broader political, economic and social dimensions of how the retreat from community health services has affected clinical care. We also outline a response to a longstanding assumption, or belief, that ‘too many hospital beds are not enough’ and may never be enough. How we understand the problem of resource allocation in healthcare shapes the remedies that are considered realistic. We explain that the reasons for the systematic underdevelopment of community health services are complex, historical, and largely relate to political and economic factors, but they are still amenable to change. What is known about the topic? There is a growing evidence base and consensus of expert opinion supporting the gradual shift in health service delivery away from hospital-based models of care to community-centred ones. Wherever possible, speciality community health services should be co-located with primary health care in communal shopping and transport hubs so that patients have access to ‘one-stop-shops’ providing both primary healthcare and community treatment, and support services. It is important that these speciality community health services retain their integrity and control of their budgets, but also that they maintain functional integration with their respective hospital-based services. What does this paper add? In response to a recently published vigorous but narrowly targeted critique of community-based models of care, we explore the wider context of the debate about the appropriate balance between hospital and community health services. We pay particular attention to the current debate in mental health services. What are the implications for practitioners? Clinicians need to understand the historical, political and economic factors that have influenced the underdevelopment of community-centred health services, so as to avoid unhelpful conflicts between specialists and those working in different care settings. Rear-guard attempts to restore the dominance of hospital-centric services are unsustainable in terms of ethics and economic reality. Policy-makers and health planners should instead aim to rebalance resources in the health sector so that people in all age groups and regions have equitable access to the full range of human health and support services across the continuum of care.
49
Benrimoj, Shalom I., and Alison S. Roberts. "Providing Patient Care in Community Pharmacies in Australia." Annals of Pharmacotherapy 39, no. 11 (November 2005): 1911–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1345/aph.1g165.
Full textAbstract:
OBJECTIVE To describe Australia's community pharmacy network in the context of the health system and outline the provision of services. DATA SYNTHESIS The 5000 community pharmacies form a key component of the healthcare system for Australians, for whom health expenditures represent 9% of the Gross Domestic Product. A typical community pharmacy dispenses 880 prescriptions per week. Pharmacists are key partners in the Government's National Medicines Policy and contribute to its objectives through the provision of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS). The Third Community Pharmacy Agreement included funding for CPS including medication review and the provision of written drug information. Funding is also provided for a quality assurance platform with which the majority of pharmacies are accredited. Fifteen million dollars (Australian) have been allocated to research in community pharmacy, which has focused on achieving quality use of medicines (QUM), as well as developing new CPS and facilitating change. Elements of the Agreements have taken into account QUM principles and are now significant drivers of practice change. Although accounting for 10% of remuneration for community pharmacy, the provision of CPS represents a significant shift in focus to view pharmacy as a service provider. Delivery of CPS through the community pharmacy network provides sustainability for primary health care due to improvement in quality presumably associated with a reduction in healthcare costs. CONCLUSIONS Australian pharmacy practice is moving strongly in the direction of CPS provision; however, change does not occur easily. The development of a change management strategy is underway to improve the uptake of professional and business opportunities in community pharmacy.
50
Crespo-Gonzalez, Carmen, Sarah Dineen-Griffin, John Rae, and Rodney A. Hill. "A qualitative exploration of mental health services provided in community pharmacies." PLOS ONE 17, no. 5 (May 12, 2022): e0268259. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268259.
Full textAbstract:
The burden of mental health problems continues to grow worldwide. Community pharmacists’, as part of the primary care team, optimise care for people living with mental illness. This study aims to examine the factors that support or hinder the delivery of mental health services delivered in Australian community pharmacies and proposes ideas for improvement. A qualitative study was conducted comprising focus groups with community pharmacists and pharmacy staff across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas of New South Wales, Australia. Data were collected in eight focus groups between December 2020 and June 2021. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty-three community pharmacists and pharmacy staff participated in an initial round of focus groups. Eleven community pharmacists and pharmacy staff participated in a second round of focus groups. Twenty-four factors that enable or hinder the delivery of mental health services in community pharmacy were identified. Participant’s perception of a lack of recognition and integration of community pharmacy within primary care were identified as major barriers, in addition to consumers’ stigma and lack of awareness regarding service offering. Suggestions for improvement to mental health care delivery in community pharmacy included standardised practice through the use of protocols, remuneration and public awareness. A framework detailing the factors moderating pharmacists, pharmacy staff and consumers’ empowerment in mental health care delivery in community pharmacy is proposed. This study has highlighted that policy and funding support for mental health services is needed that complement and expand integrated models, promote access to services led by or are conducted in collaboration with pharmacists and recognise the professional contribution and competencies of community pharmacists in mental health care. The framework proposed may be a step to strengthening mental health support delivered in community pharmacies.