The purpose of the work reported here was to delineate the strategies of practice which are associated with excellent outcomes in contemporary primary health care in Australia, and to provide wider access to exemplary and illustrative cases. One hundred and eighty five published accounts of primary health care practice were collected and abstracted. Ninety nine of these cases were evaluated, each by a panel of two or three reviewers, and the 25 most highly rated cases were studied in more detail through interviews with the authors and other protagonists. Eight broad strategies of primary health care practice were identified which appeared to have contributed to excellent outcomes in the cases studied: consumer and community involvement; collaborative local networking; strong vertical partnerships; intersectoral collaboration; integration of the macro and micro; organisational learning; policy participation; and good management. Some of the finer elements of practice which are encompassed by each of these broad strategies and some of the dynamics through which they appear to contribute to good outcomes are delineated. Illustrative cases are cited which might serve as benchmarks to inspire and guide the wider pursuit of excellence in primary health care.
On 18 January 1996 at the Glen Waverley Returned and Services League (RSL), the Minister for Human Services and Health, Dr Carmen Lawrence released the Draft National Men's Health Policy.
In January 1997, 400 delegates from more than 20 countries gathered in Cape Town at an International Conference focusing on the impact of the new world economic order on health and health care. The themes of the conference were: (i) challenges facing Primary Health Care (ii) Health for All - innovative local programs and global strategies (iii) The Global Crisis - economic structural adjustment programs and environmental destruction, and (iv) the World Bank - 'Investing in Health' or prescription for under-development? In this paper some of the proceedings and outcomes from the Conference are described and some of the implications for Australia discussed. The issues include wealth and racism as major public health issues in Australia; Australian Aid funding; how to maintain the principles of primary health care; and the importance of global progressive networks in an era of multi-national companies.
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