Primary Health Care Research & Information Service
Abstract
Most people, at some time in their lives, will require health care services from multiple health care
providers, whether it is for short-term unexpected ill health, long-term chronic conditions or
co-morbidities that cross disciplines (eg. substance-related conditions and mental health).
Integration of health services is particularly important for patients with chronic and complex
conditions as they must frequently negotiate a path through different health care sectors, including
primary, acute and ambulatory care services, as well as the public and private health jurisdictions.
Standardised pathways for the more common chronic conditions may be needed to enable
seamless transitions and avoid negative outcomes that may result from delays, duplications and
errors in a system that operates as multiple independent organisations
