Primary Health Network consumer engagement framework

What was this project about?

This project involved working with a prospective tenderer to develop a consumer participation framework for their Primary Health Network (PHN) proposal. The purpose of the framework was to develop strategies:

• For participatory health care with consumers and community members in their catchment area
• To adopt a partnership approach to health system improvements across the PHN
• To articulate the role and requirements of their Community Advisory Committee, which all PHNs were required to established

Who did we partner with?

Inner North West Melbourne Medicare Local (INWMML)

How did we go about it? 

We conducted a review of the most recent national and international consumer and community engagement frameworks. We prepared a report and a review of the literature and developed a draft framework.

We also undertook a two hour workshop with staff of INWMML to discuss the draft framework. The final framework and literature review were submitted to INWMML in November 2014.

What was achieved?

In 2015, it was announced that INWMML were successful in their tender to become one of Victoria’s PHN. The framework, developed by Health Issues Centre, is being used to establish their Community Advisory Committee. We have also been asked to partner with them to implement the framework.

For more information about the framework and their Community Advisory Committee, please contact the Melbourne Primary Health Network.

For more information

Contact Tere Dawson