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Update on ASD integration

The National Quality and Performance System (NQPS) for the Divisions' Network was established as a consequence of the Government Response to the Review of Divisions in 2004. The NQPS introduced performance indicators and streamlined the planning and reporting requirements for Divisions. This process incorporates the integration of the Annual Survey of Divisions (ASD) within the planning and reporting framework for 2005-06.

Divisions have been completing the ASD for 12 years, responding to standardised questions about Division membership, activities and infrastructure. Responses to the survey have been used extensively by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing ( DoHA ), the Divisions Network, researchers and consumers to report on Divisional activities and inform policy decisions.

As part of the integration, PHC RIS is conducting a review of items included in the Survey in order to reduce respondent burden (and where possible the size of the Survey) and simplify processes. The first stage included a review of the ASD, in which the relevance and purpose of items were assessed, and identified areas of overlap with the National Performance Indicators.

The second stage of the review involves extensive consultation. Program areas within DoHA will provide advice about the continued relevance of ASD survey items (e.g. which items can be removed), help to identify duplicate data collections (where similar questions are asked through other processes), and identify gaps in the data. Further consultation on survey content will be conducted with members of the Divisions' Network and primary health care experts.

Simultaneously, progress is being made toward updating the format for the new Survey. It is planned that the Survey will be a component of the Divisions Information Online System, where a web-based interface for data entry will be linked to each Division's Report. Once completed, this system will be password secure, provide an easier system for data entry and enable faster feedback.

For further information please contact:
Ann-Louise Hordacre
Ph: 08 8204 3183
E: annlouise.hordacre@flinders.edu.au