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Australian Journal of Primary Health Australian Journal of Primary Health Society
The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Commissioning: perspectives from the ground

Paresh Dawda A B C D , Angelene True A and Leanne Wells A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Capital Health Network (formerly ACT Medicare Local), PO Box 9, Deakin West, ACT 2600, Australia.

B School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology and the Environment, Corner Mills and Egglestone Roads, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

C Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, University Drive, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: dr.paresh.dawda@gmail.com

Australian Journal of Primary Health 22(1) 5-8 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY15039
Submitted: 4 March 2015  Accepted: 23 October 2015   Published: 29 February 2016

Abstract

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been tasked with two key objectives to be achieved through commissioning. Public value aims can be achieved by developing operational capability in the context of an authorising environment. Public value will need to focus on system level outcomes from multiple perspectives, including a consumer perspective. The authorising environment will require policymakers to allow time for PHNs to mature into their role. It will require an environment of effective collaboration amongst multiple stakeholders including consumers. The operational capability will need to ensure highly competent managers and clinical leadership working in a symbiotic relationship. Although some Medicare Locals demonstrated commissioning capacity and capability, this will need to be scaled up at-pace in the new healthcare landscape in order for PHNs to optimally fulfil their roles.


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