The National PHN Cooperative has launched a new framework aimed at improving engagement between primary health networks (PHNs) and the allied health sector.
Called the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework (the Framework), this initiative is an essential step to improving primary healthcare outcomes across Australia, defining the scope and role of PHNs in engaging with allied health services to achieve the goals of Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-2032.
The Framework promotes a shared leadership approach, enabling PHNs and the healthcare sector to collaborate and identify common goals. This approach leverages existing investments and innovations while optimising the current workforce. It’s development involved the input from allied health peak bodies and practitioners; state, territory, and federal governments; and PHNs. This will help shape future engagement strategies to support allied health contributions to consumer and community outcomes.
There were 6 identified key priority areas for increased collaboration between PHNs and the Allied Health sector, including:
- Nationally led collaboration
- Governance and culture
- Practice engagement
- Data quality and digital maturity
- Workforce and access to allied healthcare
- Integration, models of care and funding.
The Framework underscores the importance of allied health services’ value and cost efficiency while providing practical strategies to improve these services’ access, quality, and distribution in rural and regional communities.
By fostering greater collaboration and engagement between PHNs and the allied health sector, the Framework is a crucial step towards achieving better primary healthcare outcomes in Australia.
