Models of Health Service Delivery in Remote or Isolated Areas of Queensland: A Multiple Case Study

Objective: This paper reports on models of health service delivery in remote or isolated areas of Queensland. Background: There is little research that investigates current models of health service delivery in remote or isolated areas of Australia. Design: A multiple case study research design was employed that included interviews and focus groups. Setting: Three types of health care facilities in remote or isolated Queensland. Subjects: Thirty five registered nurses. Results: Findings indicated that nurses and Indigenous health workers are predominantly resident and provide health services in this environment, while medical and allied health care services are usually provided by non resident visiting specialists. Conclusions: Findings suggest that meeting the needs of communities in remote and isolated areas of Queensland requires a change in the focus of health service delivery to accommodate a primary health care philosophy. The introduction of a new model of health service delivery is recommended; however this will only occur if resources are harnessed to prepare staff to reprioritise services offered. Implications for Health Service Management: Supporting community partnerships with shared responsibility between health service providers and community members for increasing primary care prevention practices is advocated.