ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 294
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Co-design of a multilevel systems strategy targeting
sustainable rural health
Dr Nerida Hyett1,2,3, Mandy Hutchinson4, Donna Doyle5, Trevor Adem6, Dallas Coghill7, Pam Harvey2,
Dr Catherine Lees1,2,3, Adj A/Prof Belinda O’Sullivan1,2,3,8
1
Murray PHN (Primary Health Network), 2Monash University, 3La Trobe University, 4Northern District
Community Health, 5Boort District Health, 6East Wimmera Health Services, 7Inglewood and Districts
Health Service, 8James Cook University
Background
Rural communities need accessible primary care for optimal health outcomes. However, delivering
services in rural communities is increasingly challenging due to workforce shortages and metro-centric
healthcare and funding models that are not sustainable in rural contexts. Rural communities have
strong potential to inform what will work in their context due to their in-depth understandings of local
priorities, strengths and opportunities.
Objective
To involve rural communities in the co-design of place-based and evidence-informed models for
building sustainable rural health systems, and to identify learnings and develop tools for knowledge
translation.
Methods
In rural Victoria, community-based participatory research and co-design research methods were used
to develop trial primary care models. The co-design was led by a health service executive steering
committee in partnership with rural health researchers. Perspectives from healthcare professionals (n
= 42), consumers and carers (n = 21) were gathered through qualitative interviews. Qualitative content
analysis was used to identify priorities and develop descriptive themes. Rigour was enhanced through
a process of member checking; the research procedures were approved by a university human
research ethics committee.
Results
Health priorities, system strengths and challenges and sustainability barriers, enablers and resources
were identified. Three models were proposed for building health system sustainability, forming a
multilevel systems strategy. These are: (1) a strengths-based regional workforce strengthening plan; (2)
models of integrated primary care; and (3) innovative rural generalist employment models and models
of care.
Conclusion
The executive level regional co-planning and design process can be trialled in other rural regions. Trial
sites are recommended to be of a similar population size and rurality, and where existing partnerships
can be leveraged. Place- and strengths-based co-design was effective for locating finite resources for
developing models that were locally supported, aligned to community healthcare access priorities and
barriers and responsive to existing workforce capacity.
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