Analysis of the supports and hindrances to the integration of co-located services in multiple models of primary health care delivery

This research project is investigating mechanisms supporting and hindering health service integration in community and primary health by examining different co-location models that are representative of the diversity of models operating throughout Australia. A case study mixed method research approach is being used to closely examine how service integration is supported or confounded in the different models.

There are six participating case study sites centres that are established to provide integrated multidisciplinary approaches to patient care; the Superclinic model, the GP Plus model, the combined GP Plus and GP Superclinic model and two private models of co-located health services (Unihealth Playford GP Superclinic, Health at Campbelltown, Modbury GP Plus Superclinic, Noarlunga GP Plus Superclinic, Adelaide Medical Solutions, Elizabeth GP Plus). How integration is operationalised will be explored within the co-located service sites (medical, allied and any social or specialist services), as well as examining extent of integration with other levels of care external to the case site.

The project aims to produce a plain language report that identifies enablers of and barriers to integrated health care. It will include patients' response to this form of service provision. There will be a description of what works, what could work better, how co-location sites can foster integration, and what is working against integration.

Partnerships

  • Professor Nigel Stocks, Head, Discipline of General Practice, The University of Adelaide
  • Dr Kathryn Powell, anthropologist, Co-ordinator of Training and Research at Unihealth Playford GP Superclinic, University of Adelaide
  • A/ Prof Caroline Laurence, University of Adelaide
  • Prof Gerard Gill, Alfred Felton Chair in General Practice for Rural and Regional Victoria at Deakin University
  • Dr Paul Aylward, University of Adelaide
  • Prof Esther May, Acting Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean: Health and Clinical Education in the Division of Health Sciences