Rural Health System Resources
BY RURAL PEOPLE FOR RURAL PEOPLE
What core primary health care services should be available to Australians living in rural and remote communities?
Authors
Thomas, S.L., Wakerman, J. & Humphreys, J.S.
Description
Australians living in rural and remote areas experience poorer access to primary health care (PHC) and poorer health outcomes compared to metropolitan populations. Current health reforms in Australia aim to ensure all Australians, regardless of where they live, have access to essential PHC services. However, at a national level policy makers and health planners lack an evidence-based set of core PHC services to assist in implementing this goal. This study identifies a basket of PHC services that consumers in rural and remote communities can reasonably expect to be able to access. It provides rigorously derived evidence that will contribute to a more systematic approach to PHC service planning and availability and will assist policy makers in the allocation of scarce resources necessary to improve the health outcomes of residents of rural and remote areas.
Why is this useful for rural and remote people?
This study is essential reading for people living in rural and remote communities. The study provides a set of evidence-based core primary health care services that health experts have determined governments must provide on-site in rural and remote towns to ensure health equity and improved health outcomes. Any rural or remote person talking with their local member or the government can refer to this document, and the information contained in the tables, to advocate for investment in minimum service levels.
Suggested Citation
Thomas, S.L., Wakerman, J. & Humphreys, J.S. What core primary health care services should be available to Australians living in rural and remote communities?. BMC Fam Pract 15, 143 (2014).
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