Table 2 Sustainability Domain

Workforce

The importance of having a workforce that is appropriate in number, volume and distribution and is responsive to emerging needs.

• Staff profile- Numbers and FTE.

• Staff length of stay

• Succession planning

• CPD activities

Audit

Interview

Audit

AIHW [21] Wakerman[22] RACGP [20]

Linkages

Efficient and effective co-ordination between providers and between services is essential for continuity of care and service sustainability.

• Centralised electronic medical records

• Care integrated with external agencies and mainstream programs

Audit/Interview

Wakerman et al [22]; CIHI[18];

Infrastructure

Infrastructure and ICT needs to be appropriate to the service, its catchment population and monitoring and reporting requirements.

• Uptake of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Audit

CIHI [18]; Wakerman et al [22]

Funding

Financing and provider remuneration should be appropriate, sustainable and clearly identified within program budgets to maximise service efficiencies and adequate to meet identified community health needs.

• Funding sources: public, private, other

• Service providers' remuneration methods

Audit

Audit

Wakerman et al [22] CIHI [18]

Governance, management and leadership

Good governance and leadership have been identified to be integral to service sustainability

• Governance structure and processes and a risk management plan in relation to service sustainability need to be clearly defined, implemented and reviewed.

Interview/documentation

RACGP [20], Wakerman et al [22]

• Level of accreditation

Audit

NHPC [19]