PRESS RELEASE: Incentivise care models that achieve best outcomes for people and communities

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is urging all parties to recognise the impact that current and future funding models have on the models of care needed to improve health outcomes for people and communities.

‘While funding models are just one of the policy levers to address quality in health care, they can also be a powerful instrument in altering the behaviours of providers,’ says AHHA Acting Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock.

‘Unfortunately, we are seeing funding models limiting people’s access to receiving the right care, in the right place and at the right time.

‘Current funding models do not support the adoption of models of care that are able to leverage technological advances and draw together the expertise of multidisciplinary teams.

‘Funding for such innovative models of care is often provided through short-term trials and pilots. While these are important for developing an evidence base, in settings such as rural areas, they undermine the potential for long-term success.

‘Security and certainty in funding is crucial for attracting and retaining the necessary workforce for these models of care to be successful.’

With four decades since Medicare was introduced, much has changed. The health conditions that people are managing are different, as is the way that care can be delivered. To reflect this change, and keep pace with increasing health care costs, our funding models must also be contemporary.

‘In the lead up to this election, promises for investment should also reflect the use of funding models that are developed around a person’s care journey, not just sectors in isolation.

‘We must move beyond funding that focuses solely on care, and the out-of-pocket costs that come with it, and embrace the growth of integrated care systems that support Australians across their care journey, fund for value and promote better health outcomes.’

The online version of this media release and our 2022 Election Statement may be found on the AHHA website: https://ahha.asn.au/news/incentivise-care-models-achieve-best-outcomes-people-and-communities