Editorial: Models of Care

Abstract

Australian Health Review has featured the Models of Care section for its third year. The aim of the section is to highlight the vast issues that impact various 'models of care', expose the breadth and depth of the models and their impact and increase the profile of quality-based articles. As interested stakeholders, we are continually exposed to the latest models of care claiming to be a solution for some of the health care system's weaknesses ? namely, issues of equity, accessibility, quality and affordability. Individuals and populations across the globe are touched by these matters, and health care systems grapple with ways in which to improve such weaknesses. In previous Editorials, I have covered a range of issues relating to models of care including: ¦ Functions (ie, assessment, costing, planning, implementing, client advocacy, monitoring, evaluating); ¦ Evidence; ¦ Information management and use of technology; ¦ Stakeholder interest (ie, government, health fund, provider management, health professionals, clients); and ¦ Policy impact. The reality is that the core issues mentioned above (access, equity, etc) are always going to be around, and any models of care claiming to be breakthrough solutions to health care service issues are hoaxes. So, it is no wonder that prescriptive models of care are often ineffective. Taking a broader view of the multitude of issues that impact the care process and eventual outcomes is more sensible.