Project to policy: TUFH principles in action in Australia.

CONTEXT

In 1999, Towards Unity For Health developed principles for patient-based health systems which included partnerships, raising the level of partnerships, integration of individual, population and public health, information management and measurement of outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To address the health workforce crisis in an area of remote north western New South Wales (NSW) in Australia.

METHOD

The NSW Rural Doctors Network applied the TUFH principles in overcoming much of the crisis and developing an ongoing local health system which has answered many of the local needs.

CONCLUSION

The project provided experience for policy change and development at both State and National levels.