Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? Reviewing the evidence on commissioning and health services
Suzanne Robinson A D , Helen Dickinson B and Learne Durrington C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
B Melbourne School of Government, Walter Boas Building, The University of Melbourne, Wilson Avenue, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia.
C WA Primary Health Alliance, 2-5, 7 Tanunda Drive, Rivervale, WA 6103, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: suzanne.robinson@curtin.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(1) 9-14 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15037
Submitted: 4 March 2015 Accepted: 1 November 2015 Published: 29 February 2016
Abstract
The concept of commissioning is starting to gain traction in the Australian health system. Primary Care Networks began operations in July 2015 with a remit around commissioning health services. Despite the centrality of this concept, we know relatively little about commissioning in Australia. Other systems have experimented with it for some time, and this paper reviews the evidence and lessons inherent within the international literature. The study defines commissioning, and explores experiences of others who have adopted commissioning approaches and the evidence concerning the outcomes of these experiments. Commissioning is a difficult topic in many senses and its application to a complex area such as health reform can make it even more challenging. Ultimately, this evidence suggests that commissioning is more than simply a technical or operational process, but one that is value-based and relational. This is not to downplay the technical aspects, which in many jurisdictions have resulted in explicit and evidenced-based approaches to planning and priority setting. However, if new commissioning organisations, such as Primary Health Networks, are to have an impact, they need to balance the operational and relational elements of commissioning.
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