AHHA contribution to the Audit of the DHAC Performance Management of the PHN Program

AHHA contribution to the Audit of the DHAC Performance Management of the PHN Program

30 November 2023

Australia’s 31 PHNs have the important role of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care in their regions, prioritising those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving care coordination in the primary care sector. They do this through the mechanism of commissioning; a continual and iterative cycle involving needs assessment, planning, co-design, procurement, monitoring and evaluation. They aim to achieve the best outcomes for the costs of achieving those outcomes, using local knowledge and relationships within the community.

The issues and challenges faced by the primary care sector, particularly in rural and remote areas, render the need for the PHNs commissioning model to meet its full potential to be even more vital. There are numerous examples of innovative, impactful PHN programs and initiatives that address local need, involve collaboration with other parts of the health system and utilise limited resources; but these achievements occur despite funding and operational constraints, and often as an outcome of PHN staff’s knowledge, experience, and relationships with local providers and community.

AHHA contribution to the Audit of the DHAC Performance Management of the PHN Program

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