Commissioning primary health care: a rapid systematic review

Project Status
Completed

Chief Investigators
Prof Mark Harris CPHCE, Dr Karen Gardner CPHCE, Mr Terry Findlay CPHCE, Assoc Prof Gawaine Powell Davies CPHCE, Dr Julie McDonald CPHCE, Ms Karen Edwards UNSW. Ms Rachael Kearns CPHCE, Dr Joshi Chandni CPHCE, Ms Karla Jacques UNSW, Ms Rebecca Alexander CH

Rationale

The immediate catalyst for commissioning has been the Reform of the Federation White Paper process, which aims to clarify roles and responsibilities for different levels of government in Australia, and may result in new arrangements for health among other services.

Aims

This rapid, systematic review aimed to contribute to the development of a reliable evidence base to support best value investment in the health system, particularly at the primary care and the primary-acute care interface.

The over-arching question for the review was:

  • What forms of commissioning will support best value investment for primary care, with a particular focus on the primary-acute interface and chronic disease management?

Design and Method

Rapid review methodology was used incorporating formation of a research group including international advisors from US, Canada, UK and NZ; development of search terms; a systematic search process and framework for analysis.