Study protocol: Evaluating the impact of a rural Australian primary health care service on rural health

Tham, Rachel; Humphreys, John S; Kinsman, Leigh; Buykx, Penny; Asaid, Adel; Tuohey, Kathy

doi:10.1186/1472-6963-11-52

BMC Health Services Research

Table 1 Health Service Performance Domain

From: Study protocol: Evaluating the impact of a rural Australian primary health care service on rural health

*Components*	*Reason for selection*	*Sentinel indicator items selected*	*Data source*	*References*
*Accessible*	The importance of geographical proximity to services; and timely and affordable access to routine and emergency care.	• Distance to nearest GP	Survey	AIHW [21]
		• Distance to usual GP	Survey
		• Operating hours	Audit	Campbell S [26]
		• After hours services	Survey	CIHI [18]
		• Availability of emergency care	Survey/Audit	RACGP [20]
		• Availability of bulk-billing	Audit	AIHW [21]
*Appropriate*	To assess the comprehensiveness of services in dealing with a whole of health approach to health care.	• Availability of disease prevention, health promotion, early identification, sub-acute, acute and rehabilitation services.	Audit	AIHW [21] CIHI [18] NHHRC [17] RACGP [20]
		• Availability of female GPs	Audit	AIHW [21]
*Effective*	To assess extent to which a service's disease prevention interventions are achieving the desired results within an expected timeframe.	• Immunisation coverage	Audit	NHHRC [17]
		• Cervical cancer screening coverage	Audit
		• Use of chronic disease registries for diabetes mellitus, asthma and hypertension for timely planning and disease management.	Audit	Campbell S [26]; CIHI [18]
*Responsive*	To assess the extent to which respectful care is provided that promotes dignity, privacy, safety and community empowerment.	• Service response to cultural and other specific needs of people utilising the service	Interviews	RACGP [20]
		• Community input into service planning	Interviews Focus group	NZRCGP [27], RACGP [20]
*Continuous*	The importance of providing uninterrupted, coordinated care across programs, providers, and organisations over time	• Choice of GP or nurse	Survey	RACGP [20]
		• Age-specific health assessments	Audit	CIHI [18]
		• 45 year old health check
		• Use of integrated care plans for diabetes, asthma and depression	Audit
		• Use of recall and reminder systems	Audit	RACGP [20]
*Efficient*	The importance of achieving desired results with the most cost-effective use of service resources.	• Electronic billing system	Audit	RACGP [20]
		• Electronic medical records	Audit	RACGP [20]

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ISSN: 1472-6963

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