Australian Health Review[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Corrigendum to: Lived Experience Advisor Program initiative: harnessing consumer leadership for best care.
Barbara R, Lydeker J, Potter A … +1 more , Kerr D
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41276681 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Corporatisation without clarity: empirical gaps in Australian general practice data.
Kalkat P, Larkin S, Elshaug AG … +2 more , Harrison C, Lacy-Nichols J
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41276296 · Publisher ↗
The increase in corporatisation in the healthcare sector is commonly discussed in international literature. However, in Australia, attempts to measure the extent of general practice corporatisation and its impacts have b...
The increase in corporatisation in the healthcare sector is commonly discussed in international literature. However, in Australia, attempts to measure the extent of general practice corporatisation and its impacts have been hindered by poor data availability. We compare the availability of data about general practice corporatisation in the Australian context with international examples, providing evidence of the shortcomings in Australian data. We recommend improved data disclosure in Australia to allow regulators, policy makers, clinicians, and the public to make informed decisions and understand the impacts that corporatisation has on the quality, access, and affordability of health care.
Chronic breathlessness is associated with much longer lengths of hospital stay.
Currow D, Kochovska S, Evans R … +2 more , Yorke J, Davidson PM
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41276295 · Publisher ↗
There are wide variations in acute care inpatient lengths of stay. Until now, analysing these variations included patient, clinical and system factors, leaving 40-80% of the variation still unexplained. Chronic breathles...
There are wide variations in acute care inpatient lengths of stay. Until now, analysing these variations included patient, clinical and system factors, leaving 40-80% of the variation still unexplained. Chronic breathlessness has been ignored by health systems: the first international consensus definition was only proposed in 2017, and the first International Classification of Disease (ICD) code for it was accepted in 2022. (Until 2022, the health system through ICD only recognised 'acute breathlessness' and 'orthopnoea' (the inability to lie flat without breathlessness).) Studies of the general population (independent of health service contact) have shown that at least 1 in 300 Australians are housebound or have difficulty dressing and undressing because of chronic breathlessness. The symptom affects every part of a person's life and contributes to unplanned use of primary and tertiary healthcare. Rather than focusing only on diseases in understanding variations in length of stay, the addition of chronic symptoms is of value. In recent work, pre-existing breathlessness (captured in general practice) predicts a shorter time to people's next unplanned hospital admission and longer hospital admissions for every increased level of chronic breathlessness severity, having controlled for other factors. ICD v11.0 now has a code 'chronic breathlessness' that we should be using. Research is needed on why people with chronic breathlessness have increased use of emergency departments and longer lengths of stay. Clinicians need to actively identify the presence of chronic breathlessness, and health systems need to research how to minimise its impacts.
The current state of legislation and education of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia.
Zheng Y, Xie S, Wang Y … +1 more , Huang M
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41259886 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyse the institutional design and practical challenges of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Australia based on its legislative history, current regulatory framework, and educational s...
OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyse the institutional design and practical challenges of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Australia based on its legislative history, current regulatory framework, and educational system development, thereby providing references for TCM internationalisation under China's 'Belt and Road' Initiative. METHODS: This study delineates Australia's TCM legislative trajectory, dissects its registration and regulatory architecture, and examines its TCM education evolution - from private training to university programs - along with curriculum, faculty, and clinical placement features, while identifying existing challenges. RESULTS: Australia established TCM's legal status via state-led pilots through to national legislation, with a registration system centred on public safety. Its education integrates TCM-Western medicine but faces inconsistent curricula and language barriers. TCM lacks Medicare coverage, and some herbal medicines are restricted. CONCLUSIONS: Australia's experience shows a pathway for TCM institutionalisation in Western societies. Refining standards, optimising education through China-Australia cooperation, and enhancing public communication will promote TCM's sustainable development and provide replicable models for its internationalisation.
Developing best practice principles for enhancing engagement with consumers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in cancer services.
Chauhan A, Newman B, Chin M … +7 more , Smith AB, Pitcher M, Seale H, Tieu NT, Manias E, Wilson C, Harrison R
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41259885 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Although consumer engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in health service decision-making is a priority in Australia, there is limited knowledge of mechanisms to operationali...
OBJECTIVE: Although consumer engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in health service decision-making is a priority in Australia, there is limited knowledge of mechanisms to operationalise this. The objective of this study was to produce consensus-based best practice principles to promote engagement with CALD communities in cancer service level consumer engagement activities. METHOD: A Delphi study comprising a workshop with key stakeholders and two rounds of consensus surveys was conducted. RESULTS: An initial set of 22 statements of best practice principles was produced through a stakeholder workshop. A total of 113 completed responses were received from eligible participants across the two rounds. Ratings and qualitative feedback provided by participants in each round were discussed with the project team to reach consensus on the final 10 best practice principles. CONCLUSION: The 10 best practice principles will complement existing consumer engagement strategies to promote engagement with CALD communities in cancer service level consumer engagement activities across Australia.
The implementation of a virtual fracture clinic in Far North Queensland: satisfaction and success without travel.
Maunder J, O'Callaghan W, Fryer C … +2 more , Middleton D, Dwyer T
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41259884 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Orthopaedic injuries often require timely management. This is challenging in remote regions, such as Far North Queensland, where patients must travel long distances. A Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) model offer...
OBJECTIVE: Orthopaedic injuries often require timely management. This is challenging in remote regions, such as Far North Queensland, where patients must travel long distances. A Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) model offers a promising alternative, allowing remote management of select cases, and reducing travel burdens and healthcare costs. This prospective cohort study assessed the implementation of a VFC at Cairns Base Hospital. METHODS: An orthopaedic registrar triaged patients to the VFC based on predefined criteria over a 5-week period. Primary outcomes included patient satisfaction, travel distance savings and cost savings. Secondary outcomes included the clinical outcomes of the VFC and the traditional clinic. RESULTS: Out of 514 referrals, 36.4% were managed through the VFC. Compared with the traditional clinic, VFC patients had shorter wait times, and 91.4% of those seen in the VFC could be discharged without further review. VFC patients were highly satisfied, with 75.2% indicating a willingness to undergo the same treatment again. The VFC also resulted in significant travel distance and cost savings. No patients in the VFC required surgery during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first prospective evidence that registrar-led VFCs in regional Australia can safely deliver orthopaedic care with substantial logistical and economic benefits. With high patient satisfaction and no compromise in safety, this model could redefine how fracture care is delivered across Australia's vast rural landscape, helping close the gap in access for remote and Indigenous populations.
'The time for experimenting on patients is over': a policy scan and qualitative study of doctors' experience with the oversight of clinical innovation in Australia.
Wiersma M, Kerridge I, Lipworth W
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41259883 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Clinical innovation - the use outside of research of novel and unproven interventions - is subject to extensive federal and state oversight in Australia. Although the complexity of the regulatory environment...
OBJECTIVES: Clinical innovation - the use outside of research of novel and unproven interventions - is subject to extensive federal and state oversight in Australia. Although the complexity of the regulatory environment is widely recognised, there have been no attempts to identify and summarise the policies governing clinical innovation or to understand how Australian clinicians navigate this environment. This study addresses these gaps by mapping the oversight of clinical innovation in Australia and exploring clinicians' experiences to understand practical challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS: A policy scan of publicly available documents was conducted between 2020 and 2025, and a qualitative interview study undertaken. Participants included surgeons, cancer physicians and fertility specialists who were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling from Australian states and territories. RESULTS: The policy scan revealed complicated oversight mechanisms across multiple jurisdictional levels, with both overlap and variation in regulatory approaches between states and territories. Participants described the practical challenges of navigating this complex system while highlighting the importance of peer support, training and long-term outcome monitoring as key mechanisms for supporting responsible clinical innovation. CONCLUSIONS: States and territories have developed fragmented, duplicative and sometimes opaque oversight mechanisms, creating unnecessary complexity and potential gaps in coordination. To improve the oversight of clinical innovation in Australia, a national framework is required that establishes clear processes for the introduction of innovative interventions while permitting jurisdictional modifications in local contexts.
Have we [fully] untapped the potential of allied health in the Australian healthcare system?
Dennis S, Baker E, Hassett L … +6 more , Kamper SJ, Morris-Donovan B, Nisbet G, Novak I, Rebbeck T, Baillie A
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41243109 · Publisher ↗
In 2015, allied health professionals (AHPs) were described as the 'untapped potential' of the Australian health system. A decade later, this perspective paper critically reflects on the progress made and the barriers tha...
In 2015, allied health professionals (AHPs) were described as the 'untapped potential' of the Australian health system. A decade later, this perspective paper critically reflects on the progress made and the barriers that continue to prevent AHPs from working to their full potential. Despite being the second largest workforce, AHPs remain underrepresented in policy leadership and funding structures, with medical dominance still shaping health system priorities. While notable advancements have occurred - such as the establishment of a Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy, and expanded roles during the COVID-19 pandemic - systemic challenges endure. Despite a growing evidence base supporting the cost-effectiveness and clinical value of AHP interventions, policy and funding mechanisms have not kept pace. This paper argues that although the visibility of AHPs has improved, their potential remains constrained by structural, cultural and systemic barriers. To truly unlock the value of allied health, Australia must invest in robust workforce planning, equitable funding models, and integrated policy frameworks that recognise AHPs as essential contributors to a sustainable health system. Although the potential of allied health might be more visible, the potential remains constrained.
Changes in size and co-location of health services for Australian general practice, 2000-2016.
Kalkat P, Larkin S, Lacy-Nichols J … +2 more , Elshaug A, Harrison C
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41243108 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The study analysed how the proportion of general practitioners (GPs) working in different practice sizes and how co-located health services changed over time in Australia, including the differences in these va...
OBJECTIVE: The study analysed how the proportion of general practitioners (GPs) working in different practice sizes and how co-located health services changed over time in Australia, including the differences in these variables across different geographic and socioeconomic areas. METHODS: A secondary analysis of University of Sydney's Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health dataset, a continuous cross-sectional study of GP activity in Australia, was performed. We analysed changes in practice size; changes in co-location of GP practices with other health services (e.g. physiotherapy, psychology, pathology, imaging); changes in practice nurses employed within GP practices; and changes in GP and practice characteristics (including GP sex, GP age, GP hours worked, and practice after-hours arrangements) from April 2000 to March 2016. RESULTS: The average practice size increased from 4.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.4-4.9) GPs in 2000-2001 to 7.5 (95% CI 7.2-7.8) GPs in 2015-2016. The proportion of GPs working at practices with co-located health services increased from 66.3% (95% CI 63.4-69.2) in 2008-2009 to 94.0% (95% CI 92.5-95.5) in 2015-2016. The proportion of GPs at practices with practice nurses significantly increased from 60.1% (95% CI 56.9-63.2) in 2004-2005 to 84.7% (95% CI 82.4-87.0) in 2015-2016. There were no significant differences across these variables in different geographic and socioeconomic areas, except for practice nurses. CONCLUSION: This research confirms that GP practice size, co-location of health services, and the number of nurses employed within general practices have increased significantly from 2000 to 2016. We suggest that further data sources are required to explore the implications of these findings and to inform policy.
MindLink: preliminary evidence on a virtual Community of Practice for child and adolescent mental health in the Australian context.
Eapen V, Mendoza Diaz A
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41224218 · Publisher ↗
Faced with rising demands and limited resources available in most communities to address child and adolescent mental health presentations, increasing cross-specialty collaboration with healthcare providers such as paedia...
Faced with rising demands and limited resources available in most communities to address child and adolescent mental health presentations, increasing cross-specialty collaboration with healthcare providers such as paediatricians is critical. In this regard, there is growing interest in capacity building models such as 'Communities of Practice' to fill this gap. The purpose of this case study is to present the experience of implementing 'MindLink', a virtual Community of Practice model in the Australian public health system for cross-specialty upskilling and collaboration between paediatrics and child and adolescent mental health. The overall aim included understanding the specific areas of need for paediatricians in enhancing knowledge regarding mental health issues where further support was indicated and the perceived usefulness of the MindLink sessions. The approach leveraged the principles of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes model for capacity building utilising complex case discussions. The findings identified specific areas where further knowledge and support was desired including pharmacological management, formulation/conceptualisation and diagnostic classification. The perceived benefits included formal and informal collaboration, shared learning and a peer-support network. This has implications due to the potential to improve patient outcomes while also reducing staff burn-out.
Profile and clinical characteristics of alcohol-related hospital admissions within four public hospitals in New South Wales between 2011 and 2021.
McLean C, Tapsell L, Fallas I … +2 more , Grafenauer S, McMahon AT
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41224217 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the 10-year profile of alcohol-related admissions across four public hospitals within a health service in NSW. METHODS: Alcohol-related hospital episode data were obtained...
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the 10-year profile of alcohol-related admissions across four public hospitals within a health service in NSW. METHODS: Alcohol-related hospital episode data were obtained from the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection. The sample comprised episodes of patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to four hospitals within one health service in Sydney between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2021. The data were descriptively analysed, and binary logistic mixed modelling was performed to explore patient characteristics. RESULTS: The sample comprised 6377 episodes representing 6280 admissions and 3334 individual patients. The sample was predominantly men (n = 2143, 64.3%) in their 40s (n = 792, 23.7%). A 4% significant increase per year in the rate of hospital admissions over the period was observed (incidence rate ratio 1.04, P = 0.005). Most admissions were ≤3 days (n = 4630, 73.7%). Being female and admitted on a Sunday was associated with same-day discharge and is of clinical relevance. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-related admissions significantly increased over the 10-year period in this Sydney health service. The sample consisted mostly of middle-aged men with alcohol intoxication, suggesting that local screening and interventions for hazardous alcohol consumption are warranted. Given that women are likely to have a shorter length of stay, further case exploration may be needed to ensure adequate and comprehensive care is provided for this subgroup.
Navigating medication safety with electronic medical records: insights from a dual-phase implementation in paediatric, neonatal and maternity care.
Mordaunt DA, Johnson N, Verghese S … +3 more , Parker R, Gibb K, Palmer LJ
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41224216 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Electronic medical record (EMR) implementations can disrupt clinical workflows and impact medication safety. This study evaluated the effect of a two-phase EMR roll-out on medication safety events within the W...
OBJECTIVE: Electronic medical record (EMR) implementations can disrupt clinical workflows and impact medication safety. This study evaluated the effect of a two-phase EMR roll-out on medication safety events within the Women's and Children's Division of a large tertiary public hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective real-world difference-in-differences analysis using negative binomial regression to accommodate overdispersion in incident counts. Two activation phases (30 June 2021 and 1 January 2024) were compared against non-activated areas. Data spanning January 2020 to February 2024 were extracted from the Safety Learning System. Natural language processing (spaCy) identified both direct mentions and semantically similar references to 'electronic medical record,' 'EMR' and 'electronic prescribing' for supplementary sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Following each activation, minor (Incident Severity Rating 3) and near miss (Incident Severity Rating 4) incidents showed a short-lived rise - peaking within 1 month of go-live - then returned to pre-implementation levels. No statistically significant long-term changes in overall medication safety event trends were observed (all P > 0.75). Natural language processing-detected EMR mentions increased immediately post-activation, but did not persist. CONCLUSIONS: Phased EMR implementation was not associated with sustained alterations in medication safety event rates. Transient near miss increases likely reflect heightened reporting awareness rather than true error surges. Future evaluations should broaden text-mining filters, incorporate manual content review and use mixed-methods designs to ensure comprehensive detection of EMR-related safety signals and to capture clinician workflow impacts.
Challenges and strategies for international medical graduates in registration and integration into the Australian healthcare system: a systematic scoping review.
Li W, Nisar M, Gillies RM … +2 more , McGrail M, Khan A
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41215474 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: International medical graduates (IMGs) are vital for addressing Australia's healthcare shortages but face significant barriers. This review aims to update evidence on their challenges, assess progress since th...
OBJECTIVE: International medical graduates (IMGs) are vital for addressing Australia's healthcare shortages but face significant barriers. This review aims to update evidence on their challenges, assess progress since the 2012 Lost in the Labyrinth report, and propose new actions. METHODS: This systematic scoping review focuses on literature from 2001 to 2025 in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, including articles that reported quantitative or qualitative research or data analyses, opinion papers, and editorials. The study adapts the Health Systems Strengthening Framework to synthesise findings, with an emphasis on the Lost in the Labyrinth's recommendations. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies revealed persistent challenges, including supervision gaps, governance issues, financial burdens, visa inequities, and accreditation barriers. Emerging issues involved regulatory inefficiencies, insufficient support, and inequitable job access. Continuing strategies focus on supervision and workplace-based assessments (WBAs), and new recommendations propose shadowing programs, policy buffers, leadership reforms, mental health support, and equitable benefits. Despite progress, challenges persist in service delivery and equity. Six new recommendations emphasise government leadership, scalable assessments, and targeted support for an inclusive healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: Significant challenges remain in IMGs' registration and integration, particularly in service delivery and workforce equity. Six new recommendations complement the Lost in the Labyrinth recommendations, underscoring the need for consistent government leadership, scalable WBA, and targeted support for an inclusive, sustainable healthcare system.
Clinical practice guidelines for Indigenous peoples with middle ear disease in Australia: a systematic scoping review.
Nash K, Macniven R, Parter C … +3 more , Fono MA, Dimitropoulos Y, McMahon C
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41215473 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify practitioner awareness of and adherence to clinical practice guidelines for Indigenous peoples with otitis media in Australia. METHODS: Database searches were conducted in Medline,...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify practitioner awareness of and adherence to clinical practice guidelines for Indigenous peoples with otitis media in Australia. METHODS: Database searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, APA PsychInfo, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Academic Search Premier, and CINAHL. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on practitioner awareness of or adherence to clinical practice guidelines for otitis media management for Indigenous peoples in Australia. Search terms included 'Indigenous peoples', 'otitis media', and 'guidelines'. RESULTS: Four peer-reviewed studies published between 2007 and 2020 met eligibility for inclusion. This review identified three key concepts: (1) practitioner awareness rates for the Therapeutic Guidelines were significantly higher than for the 2001 OM Guidelines, (2) practitioners self-reported higher adherence to the Therapeutic Guidelines compared with the 2001 OM Guidelines, and (3) antibiotic prescriptions for Indigenous children varied, possibly due to use of different guidelines and adherence criteria, as well as variations in geographical areas and settings. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioner adherence to clinical practice guidelines specific for Indigenous peoples with otitis media is critical to ensuring a consistent impact and, by extension, closing the gap in related life outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Australia. It is important to evaluate guideline impact through establishing current practitioner adherence rates. Furthermore, increasing awareness of culturally appropriate research approaches and availability of evaluation tools, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool, should improve the conduct of future Indigenous research.
Surgical site infection surveillance in Australian public and private hospitals: a comparative analysis.
Bull AL, Lim LL, Tanamas SK … +2 more , Worth LJ, Friedman DN
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41215472 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To utilise data submitted to the state coordinating centre for healthcare-associated infection surveillance to compare surgical site infection outcomes (SSIs) in public and private hospitals in Victoria, Aust...
OBJECTIVES: To utilise data submitted to the state coordinating centre for healthcare-associated infection surveillance to compare surgical site infection outcomes (SSIs) in public and private hospitals in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Coronary artery bypass graft, caesarean section (CSEC), hip (HPRO) and knee prostheses procedures reported between 2020 and 2023 were analysed. Patient characteristics included age, gender and American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score. Procedure characteristics included duration, infection and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. Logistic regression was used to model odds of SSI adjusted for patient and procedure characteristics. RESULTS: This study analysed 153,264 records. Public hospitals reported more coronary artery bypass graft and CSEC procedures; private hospitals more knee prostheses and HPRO. Public hospital patients were generally younger, with longer procedure durations. Public hospitals reported more emergency procedures, proportionally more patients in high-risk categories, and longer lengths of stay for coronary artery bypass graft and HPRO. Odds of SSI were 51% lower in private hospitals for CSEC, but comparable for other procedures. Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis choice, timing and duration compliance was higher in public hospitals, except for CSEC and HPRO timing compliance, which was higher in private hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to patient and procedure characteristics, hospital sector is an important consideration when interpreting SSI data. For the studied procedures, although SSI outcomes were largely comparable across public and private sectors, public hospitals performed more emergency procedures and had a higher proportion of patients classified as high risk. Further studies comparing public and private hospitals should consider additional patient factors, including comorbidities, to better identify risks and inform prevention activities.
Staff and consumer experience of capabilities for successful governance and quality improvement committee partnerships: a coproduced cross-sectional qualitative survey.
Cox R, Parker R, Lynch M … +2 more , El-Higzi F, Nixon J
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41207662 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore expert staff and consumer awareness and experience of the partnership capabilities required to promote successful governance and quality improvement committee processes and outcomes...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore expert staff and consumer awareness and experience of the partnership capabilities required to promote successful governance and quality improvement committee processes and outcomes. METHODS: The study design was a coproduced, anonymous, online cross-sectional qualitative survey. Perceptions and examples of partnering with consumer experiences on governance committees were collected. Responses were mapped against an existing capability development framework. RESULTS: There were 34 respondents: 19 (55.88%) staff and 15 (44.12%) consumers. Of the coded statements (n = 345), the most frequently mapped capability domain was Principles and practices (n = 154; 44.64%). The most frequently coded capability statement was Influencing organisational systems and policies (n = 105; 30%). Being flexible and developing confidence was more frequently reported by consumers (13%) than staff (3.2%; P = 0.014). Being self-aware and reflective was more frequently reported by staff (18%) than consumers (9.4%; P = 0.014), as was Equalising power, decision making and leadership (staff 7.8%; consumers 3.7%; P = 0.014). Participants provided many rich examples of partnership capabilities, experiences, and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Staff and consumers with >1 year of committee partnership experience were aware of the partnership capabilities required to support successful governance and quality improvement committees. Participant real-world examples demonstrated that collaborating on committees positively impacted across personal attributes, relationships and communication, organisational principles and practices, and equalising decision making, power and leadership. Findings suggested that committee consumer partnerships may build over time to address barriers including lack of opportunity, power imbalances, and tokenism.
'Most important is understanding primary care in the context of the whole health system.' The data-use aspirations of primary care leaders in Australia: a qualitative study.
Webster AD, Askew D, Lyall V … +2 more , Pole JD, Spurling G
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41207661 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand data-use aspirations of primary care leaders in Australia for driving health system improvement and the barriers to achieving this. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-struct...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand data-use aspirations of primary care leaders in Australia for driving health system improvement and the barriers to achieving this. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 15 Australian primary care leaders across 6 states and territories was undertaken. Participants were responsible for management or leadership functions within their primary care health service or organisation. RESULTS: Participants expressed aspirations for a more comprehensive, integrated, and connected approach to primary care data use: a 'whole system view' with which to understand the impacts of primary care on the broader health system. Participants identified a misalignment between the primary purpose for which the data is initially generated (to support direct patient care and practice administration) and its secondary quality improvement use. Although participants recognise that significant progress has been made in connecting and harmonising healthcare data, limitations in time and technical capabilities among frontline practitioners continue to impede the development and completion of bottom-up data-driven quality improvement activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that although primary care leaders aspire to a whole-system approach to data use, significant barriers remain. A key misalignment persists between the primary function of data collection for clinical and administrative purposes and its secondary application for quality improvement. Despite progress in national data linkage and harmonisation initiatives, the limited time and technical knowledge available to frontline practitioners continue to constrain practice-level engagement in data-driven improvement. Opportunities exist to strengthen the links between practices and their local Primary Health Networks and Practice Based Research Networks to facilitate capacity building in this area.
The financial viability of Australian private hospitals: a systematic review.
Brylski G, Larkin S, Wilson A
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41192824 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesise Australian evidence on the determinants of private hospital financial viability and the implications for system performance. METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic revi...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesise Australian evidence on the determinants of private hospital financial viability and the implications for system performance. METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review of English-language studies on Australia's mixed public-private system. Databases searched were PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and EconLit. Eligible publications analysed financial, policy, or operational factors affecting private hospitals. Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis. Twenty-three publications met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Five cross-cutting themes emerged. (1) Payment, pricing and fee transparency: fragmented schedules, out-of-pocket exposure, and contracting frictions weaken price signals and can erode margins. (2) Ownership, consolidation, and for-profit pressures: corporate and private-equity dynamics shape capital allocation, service mix, and bargaining power. (3) Insurance incentives and reforms: policy levers modestly influence demand and show limited impact on public waiting times, with mixed consequences for system efficiency. (4) Maternity, allied health, and pandemic disruptions: service lines with thin margins and workforce constraints are exposed to demand shocks and cost growth. (5) Consumer choice, emergency department usage, waiting times, and public-private overlaps: patient flows and portability influence revenue stability but create coordination challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The sector remains valuable yet financially fragile. Improving price transparency, reforming payment models and contracting arrangements to better align with value-based principles, and deepening public-private partnerships could strengthen resilience. Targeted data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health and clearer outcome-price linkages are priorities for practice and policy.
Consumer involvement enhances allergy research: a National Allergy Centre of Excellence Consumer Engagement Framework.
Gwynne K, O'Farrell T, Young A … +3 more , Morawakage T, Gamble L, Perrett K
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41177544 · Publisher ↗
Consumer involvement in research is essential for building public trust, accelerating translation, and ensuring relevance. The National Allergy Centre of Excellence exemplifies best practice through its Consumer Advisory...
Consumer involvement in research is essential for building public trust, accelerating translation, and ensuring relevance. The National Allergy Centre of Excellence exemplifies best practice through its Consumer Advisory Group and Consumer Engagement Register, embedding lived experience into every research stage to improve outcomes for Australians living with allergic disease.
A document analysis exploring Australian health service expectations of competency and training in recent Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy roles.
Jovic D, Beard M, Bird ML … +2 more , Martin R, Milanese S
Aust Health Rev · 2025 Dec · PMID 41177543 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify and analyse current health service expectations of Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists (AMPs), with a focus on the breadth and depth of competency. METHODS: This qualitative...
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify and analyse current health service expectations of Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists (AMPs), with a focus on the breadth and depth of competency. METHODS: This qualitative study applied document analysis of recent Australian AMP statements of duty, advertised online from November 2023 to April 2024. Role demographics were collected, as well as pre-employment education expectations, selection criteria and post-employment duties. Selection criteria and duties statements were transformed into a recent advanced practice competency framework and Bloom's revised taxonomy. Data underwent manifest content analysis. RESULTS: Advertisement extraction identified 44 statements of duty. The majority were from Queensland (N = 18, 41%) and Victoria (N = 9, 21%). Most roles were located, at least partially, within emergency departments (N = 23, 52%). A post-graduate master's level qualification (N = 37, 84%) was identified as a key training expectation, with musculoskeletal qualification being the most frequent. Manifest content analyses identified four main domains of competence that were predominant after data transformation: clinical expert practitioner, collaborator, scholar and leader. Cognitive complexity was highest in the domains of clinical expert practitioner and collaborator. CONCLUSIONS: Health services highly value applicants with post-graduate qualifications. These qualifications likely support, at least to some degree, AMP competence in the most frequently stated and cognitively complex domains, including clinical expertise practitioner, leader, collaborator and scholar. Training and education for roles needs to meet AMP needs across the breadth and depth of competency domains.
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