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 I am pleased
to introduce
this publication
showcasing
some fine
examples of
primary health
care research
in Australia.
Primary care is a key priority
for the Australian Government.
The Government recognises
the importance of an effective,
accessible and affordable primary
care system in keeping Australians
healthy and out of hospital.
We are committed to quality
improvement in the health system,
and measures such as the National
Health and Hospitals Reform
Commission and the development
of a National Primary Health Care
Strategy will inform and shape the
future direction of health policy in
this country.
Research into primary care can play
an important role in supporting
improved care by building an
evidence base that addresses not
just the immediate, but also the
emerging needs of the community.
Conducting research is also
beneficial for the health workforce as
it engages practitioners in exploring
key questions that can lead to
improvements in patient care and
encourages an inquiring approach to
the delivery of health care.
And research evidence that is
relevant to policy makers can make
an important contribution to the
development of options which can
shape the future of Australia’s health
system.
This is why the Government is
investing in the Primary Health
Care Research, Evaluation and
Development Strategy.
The strategy funds research to
produce evidence that can underpin
health care services and help
to reduce the burden of chronic
disease and improve quality of life.
‘Snapshot’ provides a glimpse into
the diversity of Australian primary
health care research and the mpact
that research projects can have on
local communities.
The publication includes studies on:
improving children’s health in remote
Indigenous communities and better
understanding Indigenous suicide;
the impact of care plans on diabetes
care; health ssessments for older
Australians; and improving end-oflife
care.
The work provides an insight into
the tangible benefits across the
health system and among different
population groups that are possible
from primary health care research.
I look forward to the ongoing
contribution of primary health care
research to the health policy debate
in Australia.
Nicola Roxon
Minister for Health and Ageing
Canberra
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