The implementation of the health regions is being externally evaluated to establish a “continuous learning feedback loop”, the Department of Health has stated.
A Department spokesperson told the Medical Independent that it ran a competitive tender process in 2023 to commission an independent external evaluation of this reform.
This evaluation aims to establish a “continuous learning feedback loop” in the form of a process evaluation and provide a longer-term assessment of the impact of the regional reform programme.
Data collection for the process evaluation commenced in October 2024. This includes interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders as well as document reviews and observations. The Department will receive regular process evaluation reports to inform continued implementation.
According to the spokesperson, a quantitative impact evaluation of this reform will be conducted in 2029 with an interim evaluation in 2027.
“Considering the scale of changes required to implement health regions, past experiences with structural reforms in the health service indicates that it takes time for these changes to embed and achieve the desired impact,” said the spokesperson.
Separately, the new integrated service delivery (ISD) model is being implemented “on a phased basis” across the six health regions. The process began on 3 March and is expected to continue until the third quarter of this year.
The ISD model outlines the operation of health regions and integrated healthcare areas “detailing the structures, processes, and ways of working designed to make our services more accessible and user-friendly”.
According to the spokesperson, this model aims to enhance integration, accountability, and transparency. It will also minimise the number of management layers to keep decision-making close to the patient.
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