PHC RIS publication update

Activities and achievements of the Research Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI) 

PHC RIS has produced a collection of PHC RIS reports on the activities and achievements of the Research Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI) for both Phase 1 & 2 of the PHCRED Strategy. While they have been written and presented over the past few years, we have now pulled them together in a single place for your benefit.
See: http://www.phcris.org.au/phcred/rcbi.php

 Open Access Journal 

Articles of interest

Causal thinking and complex system approaches in epidemiology 

Galea S, Riddle M, Kaplan G. (2010). Int Jnl of Epidemiology, 39(1):97-106; doi:10.1093/ije/dyp296.
This article challenges the dominant epidemiological approach to identifying biological and behavioural causes of diseases. It acknowledges that epidemiology has enabled increasingly sophisticated approaches to determining causes of disease yet also recognises growing evidence for non-biological factors that influence health and disease. It may sound like this article has been “done before” but the interesting contribution it makes is a methodological shift in assessing the causes of disease that authors call 'complex systems and dynamic analytic approaches'. This is the use of computer-based algorithms to model dynamic interactions between individuals or groups and their properties, within, and across levels of influence that affect disease. Authors discuss the pros of this method using the example of obesity and some key difficulties faced in incorporating this method in non-infectious disease epidemiology. [Abstract precis by PHC RIS].
See: http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/39/1/97

Designing competencies for chronic disease practice 

Slonim A, Wheeler FC, Quinlan KM, Smith SM. (2010). Prev Chronic Dis, 7(2). 
This article describes a project of the US National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) to develop a comprehensive set of competencies for public health practitioners working in chronic disease prevention and control. Competencies specific to chronic disease practice will allow professional development to be tailored to the unique aspects of chronic disease. The project reported here focused specifically on the way knowledge and skills are used in the practice of chronic disease prevention and control in public health. This read is highly relevant and relates to priority area 2 outlined in Australia’s first draft Primary Health Care Strategy ‘better management of chronic conditions’. [Abstract precis by PHC RIS].
See: http://cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2010/mar/08_0114.htm

Developing a longitudinal database of routinely recorded primary care consultations linked to service use and outcome data

Williams B, Dowell J, Humphris G et al. (2010). Soc Sci Med, Feb;70(3):473-8.
This article reports the findings of a study that explored the benefits and practical, technical and ethical challenges of creating a longitudinal database of recorded GP consultations in Tayside, Scotland which could be linked to existing routine data on intermediate and long-term health outcomes. Patient outcomes, background patient data, and patient and staff experiences of participating in creating a longitudinal database were collected. Australia's draft Primary Health Care Strategy identified information and technology as key enablers for change in primary health care. This article may give us some ideas. [Abstract precis by PHC RIS].
See: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19896255

Evaluation of a partnership approach to translating research on breast cancer and the environment 

Van Olphen J, Ottoson J, Green L, Barlow J, Koblick K, Hiatt R. (2009). Prog Community Health Partnersh, Fall;3(3):213-26.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community outreach approach undertaken by a breast cancer research Centre to translate scientific findings to the public. It demonstrates the benefits of a partnership approach to translating primary health care research. It also contributes to the development and refinement of standards and tools to assist in evaluating the process and outcome of participatory research. Will be of interest and relevance to all PHC researchers keen to see their research impact on policy and practice [Abstract précis by PHC RIS].
See: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&db=PubMed&list_uids=20208222

Scaling up in international health: What are the key issues?   

Mangham LJ and Hanson K. (2010). Health Policy and Planning, 25:85–96.
The term ‘scaling up’ is now widely used in the international health literature, though it lacks an agreed definition. We review what is meant by scaling up in the context of changes in international health and development over the last decade. We argue that the notion of scaling up is primarily used to describe the ambition or process of expanding the coverage of health interventions, though the term has also referred to increasing the financial, human and capital resources required to expand coverage.
We discuss four pertinent issues in scaling up the coverage of health interventions: the costs of scaling up coverage; constraints to scaling up; equity and quality concerns; and key service delivery issues when scaling up. We then review recent progress in scaling up the coverage of health interventions. This includes a considerable increase in the volume of aid, accompanied by numerous new health initiatives and financing mechanisms. There have also been improvements in health outcomes and some examples of successful large-scale programmes. Finally, we reflect on the importance of obtaining a better understanding of how to deliver priority health interventions at scale, the current emphasis on health system strengthening and the challenges of sustaining scaling up in the prevailing global economic environment. [Abstract from article].
See: http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/25/2/85

Systematic review of methods for evaluating healthcare research economic impact 

Yazdizadeh B, Majdzadeh R , Salmasian H. (2010). Health Research Policy and Systems, 8:6.
Authors report on a systematic review that identified the methods used to assess the economic impact of health care research, and the outcomes. This review is hugely relevant to those interested in primary health care research and development because knowing the economic benefits of health care research will likely affect the resources allocated to this research. Findings show that different methods and outcomes can be used to assess the economic impacts of health care research. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS].
See: http://www.health-policy-systems.com/content/8/1/6

The "medicine in Australia: balancing employment and life (MABEL)" longitudinal survey 

Joyce CM, Scott A, Jeon SH et al. (2010). BMC Health Services Research, 10:50.
While there is considerable research on medical workforce supply trends, there is little research examining the determinants of labour supply decisions for the medical workforce. The "Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL)" study investigates workforce participation patterns and their determinants using a longitudinal survey of Australian doctors. It aims to generate evidence to support developing effective policy responses to workforce issues such as shortages and maldistribution. This paper describes the study protocol and baseline cohort, including an analysis of response rates and response bias. [Abstract derived from article].
See: http://www.apo.org.au/research/medicine-australia-balancing-employment-and-life-mabel-longitudinal-survey

The 2010 Rudd plan: Will it actually deliver better health services? 

Hickie, IB. (2010). eMJA Rapid Online Publication, 16 March.
This viewpoint article begins "After a prolonged gestation, we are now witnessing the somewhat protracted birth of the Rudd Government’s health reform plan. To date, only the head of the new scheme has come into view." Worth a read, if only for the sake of comparing thoughts. Author Ian B Hickie AM, MD, FRANZCP, FASSA is Professor of Psychiatry and Executive Director Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
See: http://www.mja.com.au/public/rop/hickie/hic10254_fm.html

What has social injustice to do with medicine?

Godlee, F. (2010). BMJ, 340:c842.
In this editorial piece for BMJ special issue on health inequality BMJ Editor Fiona Godlee, draws on Michael Marmot's crucial WHO review of health inequalities in England particularly, the central question behind the WHO report "why treat people...without changing what makes them sick?" She considers the powered (or should it be, disempowered?) role of primary health care professionals and politicians in lessening the health gap between rich and poor.
See: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/340/feb11_2/c842

New reports

A Mentally Healthy Future for all Australians

The National Advisory Council on Mental Health has released a new discussion paper, A Mentally Healthy Future for all Australians. According to Nicola Roxon the discussion paper provides a vision and suggestions for a coordinated response to Australia’s mental health needs.It will assist in the Australian Government's consideration of broader health system reform, including our response to the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission, the Preventative Health Strategy and the Primary Health Care Strategy. The National Advisory Council on Mental Health that compiled the report was established in 2008 following an election commitment to provide independent, balanced and expert advice to government on a variety of mental health issues.
See: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mentalhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/whats-new-lp-1

Performance Measurement for Health System Improvement: Experiences, Challenges and Prospects

Edited by PC Smith, E Mossialos, I Papanicolas & S Leatherman.
This report deals with the challenges and opportunities associated with measuring the performance of health providers. It responds to the important role that performance measurement can play in improving health systems by providing a framework that is easy to understand and practical to adapt to our local context. The various levels of health system performance review, the review tools used to assess performance, and the implications of using these are examined using examples from various nation’s health systems. [Abstract précis by PHC RIS].
See: http://www.cambridge.org/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521133487

Report of the Review of Health Technology Assessment in Australia

The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon, and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, the Hon Lindsay Tanner, have welcomed the report of the Review of Health Technology Assessment in Australia (HTA Review). The HTA Review has recommended key improvements to the way new health technologies, procedures and services are assessed for public and private funding in Australia, in line with international best practice.
See: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/hta-review-report

Podcasts

Bob Brown (Greens Leader) on health reform

Along with the premiers, the prime minister will also need to convince the Senate to pass his $50 billion health blueprint. The opposition has all but ruled out supporting the plan. But the Greens want to negotiate with the government and they've spelled out their demands. In this ABC Radio National podcast Fran Kelly speaks with Greens Leader Bob Brown.
See: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2010/2845587.htm

PM meets with premiers to discuss health reform

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has started his national roadshow, talking to the premiers about his big plans for health reform. He's held one-on-one meetings with Queensland's Anna Bligh, Victoria's John Brumby and Kristina Keneally from New South Wales. Their states, along with Western Australia, are holding out, waiting for next month's COAG meeting in Canberra before finalising their positions. So far, only South Australia and Tasmania have given the go ahead for the Commonwealth to take over part of their GST revenue to fund 60% of public hospital costs. But even that could change after elections in both states this weekend. In this ABC Radio National podcast Fran Kelly speaks with Kristina Keneally
Premier of New South Wales.  
See: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2010/2845560.htm

Resources

Changes to MBS Primary Care Items  

Changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Primary Care items take effect from 1 May 2010. The  MBS primary care items support primary care services including: general attendances, after-hours attendances, health assessments, chronic disease management and mental health care. Some of these services provide particular target groups with preventive health care or improve coordination of multidisciplinary care for people with chronic (or terminal) conditions and complex care needs. The items include support for services which may be provided by practice nurses, Aboriginal health workers and other allied health professionals.
See: http://www.health.gov.au/mbsprimarycareitems

News items

Kevin Rudd's reform a good first step

Andrew Pesce. The Australian March 13-14.
The government's National Health and Hospitals Network is the biggest recasting in more than 30 years of the way health care is funded in this country. It's a bold plan that gives the commonwealth greater responsibility and a greater stake in the complicated processes by which governments fund our public hospitals. Andrew Pesce is president of the Australian Medical Association.
See: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/kevin-rudds-reform-a-good-first-step/story-e6frg8y6-1225839779823

Match hospital reform with better GP deal, doctors say

Andrew Bracey, Medical Observer 5 Mar 2010.
The Rudd Government’s ambitious plan to assume funding responsibility for public hospitals will only work if it makes a similar investment in primary care, health leaders have warned. The plan, announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last week, will see the Federal Government take over 60% of public hospital funding and assume full responsibility for primary care.
See: http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/index.php/news/match-hospital-reform-with-better-gp-deal-doctors-say?hash=ff1a976cb22ebf4e9e9828aefeb4beb8-3ded9434c568c104fbec258c164f8c3c

New indigenous research institute  

The Lowitja Institute, Australia’s National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Research, was launched on 24 February 2010 at Parliament House in Canberra. The Institute was established by the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (CRCATSIH), formerly the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH) and named in honour of the CRCAH’s Paton Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG. Dr O’Donoghue wasted no time in telling the assembled that she expected the focus would meet her expectations of changes that are essential to improving equity and health outcomes. The Institute will hold a congress every two years so stakeholders can have input into research agenda of the Institute. The inaugural Congress will be held on 23-24 March 2010 at the Aboriginal Health College, Little Bay, La Perouse, Sydney. Aboriginal community controlled organisations, government agencies and departments, academic institutions and other key groups have been invited to attend.
See: http://www.lowitja.org.au/

Rudd commits $632m to train more GPs  

Joe Kelly. The Australian March 15 2010.
Kevin Rudd has moved to tackle the doctor shortage with a $632 million plan to train more GPs and specialists. The Prime Minister pledged to double the number of available places for medical students to become GPs
See: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/rudd-commits-632m-to-train-more-gps/story-e6frg8y6-1225840842092

Urgent call to action on obesity and climate change

Coffs Coast Independent 15 March 2010.
A letter signed by more than 350 Australian health scientists has today been sent to the Medical Journal of Australia, urging Australian politicians and the public to recognise the link between obesity and global climate change.
See: http://www.coffscoastindependent.com.au/news/local/news/general/urgent-call-to-action-on-obesity-and-climate-change/1776274.aspx

Media releases

Bush to benefit from GP training boost

15 March 2010. Rural Health Workforce Australia (RHWA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today of increased funding for extra GP training places.
See: http://www.rhwa.org.au/site/index.cfm?display=32636

New Centre enhances disaster health research

South Australian Health Minister John Hill opened the Flinders University Research Centre for Disaster Resilience and Health at a ceremony on Friday, 12 March. The event also marked the launch of the Flinders University Research Program for Disaster Nursing.“There is an urgent need for more evidence-based solutions to the health problems associated with catastrophic emergencies and disaster and to assist in building the resilience and preparedness of communities at risk,” Professor Arbon said. “The Centre, with its partners such as the International Council of Nurses and the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, aims to enhance disaster health research.”
See: http://blogs.flinders.edu.au/flinders-news/2010/03/15/new-centre-enhances-disaster-health-research/

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing media releases

A landmark day for Australian nurses and midwives

On 16 March 2010 the Senate has passed historic legislation that provides long deserved recognition of Australia’s highly skilled nurses and midwives. These reforms will give nurse practitioners and midwives access to the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time. These changes are a key plank in the Rudd Government’s health reform plans, funded through the$120.5 million maternity reform package. This reform improves the choices for Australian women to access high quality, safe maternity care as well as providing support for our talented midwives.
See: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-nr-nr050.htm

Training a record number of doctors

15 March 2010. The Rudd Government will invest $632 million to train a record number of doctors - to tackle doctor shortages, expand capacity and deliver better health and better hospitals. In total, the Rudd Government's investments will deliver an additional 5,500 new or training General Practitioners, 680 medical specialists, and 5400 pre-vocational general practice program (PGPPP) training places over the next ten years.
See: http://www.pm.gov.au/node/6568

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing speeches

Training Record Numbers Of Junior Doctors In General Practice

15 March 2010. The Rudd Government will invest $148 million to ensure that more junior doctors can experience a career in general practice before they become a fully fledged doctor. The Government’s investments will expand overall training capacity in the system, as well as encourage more graduating students to choose a career in general practice. The numbers of Australian medical students that are graduating in the next five years are expected to double from 1,738 in 2008 to around 3,108 in 2014.
See: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-nr-nr048.htm

Conferences/seminars/forums/workshop

Control or Chaos? Governance and Service Quality Conference

Governance and Service Quality in Health and Community Services
This two day conference will provide an opportunity for:
- Exploring clinical governance and broader governance issues
- Showcasing best practice in governance and quality systems
- Developing skills in quality and reporting systems to support good governance.
The conference will be of interest to CEOs, board members, managers and staff of health services and community based services.
Date: May 19 2010 - May 20 2010
Location: Melbourne VIC
Convenor: Victorian Healthcare Association
Phone: 03 9094 7777
Fax: 03 9094 7788
Email: vha@vha.org.au
Website: http://www.vha.org.au/event/Governance_and_Service_Quality_Conference_.html

First National Forum on Safety and Quality in Primary and Community Health

Building the agenda
In an interactive format facilitated by Julie McCrossin; the forum will:
- exchange information on the risks and issues around safety and quality in primary health care
- provide ideas to address them
- explore the implications of the Federal governments health reforms on the safety and quality of primary health care in Australia.
Speakers include Dr Helena Williams, Commission Member, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
The forum will be of interest to primary and community health practitioners, administrators, government offi cials, policy professionals, peak bodies, academics and consumers of primary and community services.
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE THIS MONDAY 3 MAY
REGISTER NOW!!
Date: May 10 2010 - May 10 2010
Registration close: May 03 2010
Location: Sydney NSW
Convenor: National Primary and Community Health Network
Phone: 03 9479 1772
Fax: 03 9479 5977
Email: j.macmillan@latrobe.edu.au
Website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/aipc/pchnetwork/national.htm

Health in Difference 2010

doing diversity
Health in Difference is a unique forum for those interested in health issues relating to sexuality, sex and gender diversity to come together to share their knowledge and experiences as well as to listen, learn and laugh.
Date: Apr 29 2010 - May 01 2010
Early bird registration: Mar 26 2010
Location: Sydney NSW
Convenor: National LGBT Health Alliance
Phone: +61 2 9206 2054
Fax: +61 2 9206 2069
Website: http://www.lgbthealth.org.au/health-in-difference-2010

Vacancies, fellowships & scholarships

APHCRI International Visiting Fellowships 

International Visiting Fellowships allow Australia’s primary health care sector to benefit from the expertise of internationally acclaimed academics.The 2010 program allows groups (not limited to previous or existing Spokes) to bid for funds, not exceeding $40,000, to support the travel and related costs of bringing international primary health care experts to Australia to contribute to the knowledge base and research capacity relevant to APHCRI’s strategic plan and the national reform agenda. The closing date for applications for the APHCRI International Visiting Fellowships has been extended from Wednesday 31 March to Friday 16 April. Please feel free to contact APHCRI if you have any questions.
See: http://www.anu.edu.au/aphcri/General/International_Visiting_Fellows_2010.pdf

APHCRI Travelling Fellowships 

The Institute is now seeking participation in the 2010 Travelling Fellowships program which will enable researchers who are actively engaged in an aspect of primary health care research to take one/some of the research outputs from their project, visit an international ‘sister’ institution (e.g. the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and The Robert Graham Center in Washington). This program is not restricted to previous APHCRI Spokes. The research proposal will need to address a specific aspect of the current national health reform agenda determined by the Research Advisory Board (RAB). All previous APHCRI Spokes are encouraged to apply as are those researchers who have not previously had APHCRI funding. The closing date for applications for the APHCRI Travelling Fellowships in 2010 has been extended from Wednesday 31 March to Friday 16 April. Updated information to applicants is available on the APHCRI website. Please feel free to contact APHCRI if you have any questions.
See: http://www.anu.edu.au/aphcri/General/Travelling_Fellowships_2010.pdf

Part-Time Research Officer - The University of Sydney Medical School - Central  

The University of Sydney Medical School - Central is currently seeking to appoint a part-time Research Officer to perform fieldwork, analysis, writing and administration for the NHMRC-funded research project Reconceptualising health promotion: the role of values, ethics and evidence in obesity intervention.
Closing date: Mar 18 2010
See: http://usyd.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.processJobSearch&jobid=8d49d845-2456-a815-9d74-5b22225376b9&jobsListKey=56244d0d-7e26-4a01-b90c-fe4f22c9f69a&persistVariables=jobsListKey

Programmer Information Services, General Practice South Australia

GPSA is looking to recruit a Programmer, Information Services on a short-term contract 1 April 2010 to 30 June 2010.
Closing date: Mar 22 2010
See: http://www.gpsa.org.au/about-us/employment/

Research Jobs with the Health Economics and Social Policy Group, University of South Australia

The Health Economics and Social Policy Group, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia is looking for a Research Associate, a Research Fellow and a Senior Research Fellow. For information contact: Prof Leonie Segal, Research Chair: Health Economics: Tel: 08 8302 2437 or email: leonie.segal@unisa.edu.au
Closing date: Mar 31 2010
See: http://unisa.nga.net.au/bin/fnt_info_page.cfm?JobID=949&info_mode=new_app&MemberID=0

Research Officer - Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, Sydney Medical School

A position is being advertised for a Research Officer in Clinical Ethics at the Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University of Sydney to work on the NSW Health funded study: Developing Clinical Ethics Capacity in NSW through Partnership.
Closing date: Mar 26 2010
See: http://usyd.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=cbce26dc-4ab1-cfe4-f9e9-5b23c00e5e87&JobListID=A218B974-AA19-4889-821F-9BC90126FFAA&jobsListKey=081f9b18-3415-4843-9c70-d049f60cff1a&persistVariables=JobListID,jobsListKey

Grants & tenders

ARC Discovery Indigenous Researcher Development Projects 

The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2011 are now available on the ARC website. Changes to the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme from the previous year are summarised in Section 5 of the Funding Rules. 
Pre-Submission Eligibility Exemption Requests are also open and will close at 17.00 (AEDT), Friday 26 March 2010. The Eligibility Exemption Form and Instructions are now available at www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dird/dird_eligibility.htm. The ARC closing date has not yet been announced – it will be in May 2010 (date TBC).
See: http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/dird/dird_fundingrules.htm

NHMRC Career Development Awards

Applications for Career Development Awards (CDA) to commence in 2011 are now open. This scheme aims to further develop Australian health and medical researchers early in their career. It will enable investigators to establish themselves as independent, self-directed researchers; expand capacity for biomedical, clinical, public health and health service delivery research, and for evidence-based policy development in Australian health systems; and encourage the translation of research outcomes into practice.
Closing date: Mar 31 2010
See: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/apply/cda/index.htm

NHMRC Partnerships Grants

NHMRC Partnerships for Better Health grants are now open. The aim of these Partnership grants is to create effective collaboration between policy and research. The NHMRC Partnerships initiative was designed by NHMRC to more effectively integrate evidence into health policy and service delivery, a key objective of its Strategic Plan 2007-2009. NHMRC’s aim is to improve health care through stronger evidence-based approaches.
Closing date: Apr 30 2010
See: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/partnerships/index.htm

NHMRC Program Grants

The aim of the NHMRC Program Grants scheme is to provide support for teams of high calibre researchers to pursue broad based, multi-disciplinary and collaborative research activities. Teams will be expected to contribute to new knowledge at a leading international level in important areas of health and medical research. The scheme is available for all research approaches relevant to better health - biomedical, clinical, public health or health services research and is typically for 5 years.  
Closing date: Jun 01 2010
See: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/apply/programs/index.htm

Calls for submissions

Opinion piece assessing the Rudd Government’s recently approach to health reform

Have your say about an opinion piece by Lesley Russell assessing the Rudd Government’s recently announced approach to health reform. Dr Russel is Menzies Foundation Fellow at the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, which is co-located at The University of Sydney and the Australian National University. She also a senior adviser on health economics, policy and program analysis to Macroeconomics, an economic modeling and consulting business. According to Dr Russell, there are a host of questions about what this new approach means for important issues such as equity of access to care, the integration of mental and physical health services, the better coordination of community, hospital, rehabilitation and residential care, and promised improvements in dental care.  For real health care reform, these cannot be ignored. The article can be accessed via the link below. Send your comments on the article to office.manager@macroeconomics.com.au.
See: http://www.macroeconomics.com.au/files/Rudd_healthcare_reform_plan_11_March_2010.pdf