Timely access to specialist outpatient care: can applying systems thinking unblock our waiting lists?

Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to focus on review and repeat review outpatients and the structural role they play in exacerbating waitlists for Specialist Outpatient (SOP) services in Queensland. Waitlists, which record the number of patients waiting for an initial consultation (new appointment), are an indicator of a health system under strain. Waiting too long to access SOP can have a detrimental effect on people's health outcomes.

Mapping pandemic responses in urban Indigenous Australia: Reflections on systems thinking and pandemic preparedness.

Objectives: We investigate some of the strengths and challenges associated with Covid-19 responses in urban Indigenous communities in Brisbane, Australia. Our research reflects on the interconnected dynamics that impact health outcomes and mitigate or exacerbate the risk of Covid-19 spreading within urban Indigenous communities.

Methods: Three systems thinking workshops were held in 2021 with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders (N15/workshop) from State and Federal services, along with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.