Moving regional health services planning and management to a population-based approach: implementation of the Regional Operating Model (ROM) in Victoria, Australia
Jean-Frederic Levesque A B G , John J. M. O’Dowd C , Éidín M. Ní Shé D , Jan-Willem Weenink E and Jane Gunn FA University of New South Wales, Level 3, AGSM Building, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Agency for Clinical Innovation, 67 Albert Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia.
C University of Glasgow, Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board, Public Health, West House, Gartnavel Royal Campus, 1055 Great Wester Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH, UK.
D UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
E Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, NL-3062 PA Rotterdam, Netherlands.
F Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, 200 Berkeley Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: jeanfrederic.levesque@health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(4) 311-316 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17151
Submitted: 22 October 2017 Accepted: 3 May 2018 Published: 8 August 2018
Journal compilation © La Trobe University 2018 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Various jurisdictions are moving towards population-based approaches to plan and manage healthcare services. The evidence on the implementation of these models remains limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a regional operating model (ROM) on internal functioning and stakeholder engagement of a regional office. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with staff members and stakeholders of the North West Metropolitan Regional office in Victoria, Australia, were conducted. Overall, the ROM was perceived as relevant to staff and stakeholders. However, creating shared objectives and priorities across a range of organisations remained a challenge. Area-based planning and management is seen as simplifying management of contracts; however, reservations were expressed about moving from specialist to more generalist approaches. A clearer articulation of the knowledge, skills and competencies required by staff would further support the implementation of the model. The ROM provides a platform for public services and stakeholders to discuss, negotiate and deliver on shared outcomes at the regional level. It provides an integrated managerial platform to improve service delivery and avoid narrow programmatic approaches.
Additional keywords: operating models, population health approach, regional health planning.
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