Translating Knowledge Into Practice and Policy: The Role of Knowledge Networks in Primary Health Care (Report‪)‬

Introduction Demand for primary healthcare services is expected to increase due to factors such as the rise in chronic and complex chronic disease, an ageing population with multiple comorbidities, workforce shortages, geographical dispersion, increasing health care costs, advances in technology and changes in inter-professional service delivery models of care (Humphreys & Wakerman 2008; National Health and Hospital Reform Commission 2009; Tran et al. 2008). It is now widely acknowledged in Australia 'that the health system is struggling to maintain and respond to the health and well-being of our communities' (Telfer 2004: 1; National Health and Hospital Reform Commission 2009). These challenges are coupled with uncertainty about how best to balance public and private sectors in the provision and funding of health services (Armstrong et al. 2007; Muenchberger & Kendall in press). There is broad support for and recognition that we must invest in preventive healthcare and early intervention (Armstrong et al. 2007), creating healthy and sustainable communities (National Health and Hospital Reform Commission 2009; Dooris 2004; Swerissen & Taylor 2008) and addressing social inequality in health, especially for Indigenous Australians (National Health and Hospital Reform Commission 2009; National Preventative Health Task Force 2009).