Patient activation and health literacy are essential drivers for self-management activities. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of using chronic diseases self-management interventions targeting both factors. This systematic review found that patient activation- and health literacy-targeted interventions led to significant improvements in mental health status and physical activity level, but did not improve quality of life and health care utilisation. Strong associations between patient activation and health literacy levels were revealed.

Measures to slow the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a rapid transition in allied health service delivery from face-to-face and hands-on input to telehealth and socially distanced intervention. This research explored the experience of allied health professionals as they adapted to this change. A number of factors influenced both the degree of, and satisfaction with, adaptation achieved and offer insight to support future crisis management planning including resource distribution and development.

Limited access to free, clean and refreshing tap water can increase reliance on sugar-sweetened beverages. This study found that access to clean, refrigerated and filtered drinking water is more likely in larger communities with a lower proportion of Aboriginal people, indicating that Aboriginal people living in smaller communities have their socioeconomic disadvantage compounded, potentially increasing reliance on sugar-sweetened beverages and widening the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Health promotion initiatives must take into consideration access to clean and refreshing tap water.

Concerns about people delaying accessing healthcare services were raised early in the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores young people’s perspectives on decisions to delay accessing care for their sexual and reproductive health, finding that although decreased sexual activity resulted in reduced need for care for some, others avoided seeking care despite experiencing symptoms or concerns about their health. Young people should be assured that their sexual and reproductive health remains a priority, even during a pandemic.

Vulnerable communities have the greatest need for primary care but experience disproportionate barriers to service access. We trialled a pop-up health service delivery model in two vulnerable communities in metropolitan Melbourne. Our evaluation suggests that the model was feasible and has the potential to both improve access for vulnerable communities and promote collaboration between service providers, adding to the evidence base regarding mobile and outreach projects for vulnerable communities.

Primary care professionals often report barriers to initiating advance care planning (ACP) and palliative care (PC), affecting patients’ end-of-life care experiences. This paper provides evidence to suggest that nurses working in general practice can be trained and are willing to initiate ACP and PC. By understanding barriers and facilitators to early implementation of the Advance Project model through a theoretical lens, changes were identified that could lead to successful implementation of ACP/PC assessment tools in general practice settings.

Alcohol and other drug use is common in Australia and causes serious health and well-being issues. Collaborative care between GPs and specialist alcohol and other drug services may improve this. This is the first Australian study to address collaborative care between GPs and alcohol and other drug services. The study shows that collaborative care is feasible in the Australian setting and suggests that it could help people who use alcohol and other drugs to access care and improve their health and well-being outcomes.