Experiences of primary healthcare professionals and patients from an area of urban disadvantage: a qualitative study.

Background: The health disadvantage in socioeconomically marginalised urban settings can be challenging for health professionals, but strong primary health care improves health equity and outcomes.

Aim: To understand challenges and identify needs in general practices in a socioeconomically marginalised Australian setting.

Design & Setting: Qualitative methodology with general practices in a disadvantaged area of western Sydney.

Beyond diagnosis and survivorship: findings from a mixed-methods study of a community-based cancer support service.

This consumer-led research investigated the client experiences and the individual and community benefits of a community-based cancer support service operating in a regional setting. The study included cross-sectional surveys, focus group discussions and key-informant interviews. In total, 114 clients, 28 carers and 20 therapists were surveyed; three client focus groups were conducted and five directors and staff were interviewed.

Realisation of a joint consumer engagement strategy in the Nepean Blue Mountains region.

Ensuring consumer engagement at different levels of the health system - direct care, organisational design and governance and policy - has become a strategic priority. This case study explored, through interviews with six purposively selected 'insiders' and document review, how one Medicare Local (now a Primary Health Network, PHN) and Local Health District worked together with consumers, to establish a common consumer engagement structure and mechanisms to support locally responsive, integrated and consumer-centred services. The two healthcare organisations worked as partners across the health system, sharing ownership and responsibility.

Effectiveness of Moving On: an Australian designed generic self-management program for people with a chronic illness.

Background: This paper presents the evaluation of "Moving On", a generic self-management program for people with a chronic illness developed by Arthritis NSW. The program aims to help participants identify their need for behaviour change and acquire the knowledge and skills to implement changes that promote their health and quality of life.

Method: A prospective pragmatic randomised controlled trial involving two group programs in community settings: the intervention program (Moving On) and a control program (light physical activity).