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The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
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Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health

Australian Journal of Primary Health publishes contributions on the theory and evidence-based practise of community health services and primary health care. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Virginia Lewis and Liz Sturgiss

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Primary Health is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 27 May 2025

PY24188Stopping syphilis on the streets: embedding point of care testing within a street outreach nursing service

Leanne Papas, Kim Rayner, Karyn Walsh, Elena McLeish, Joseph Debattista and Diane Rowling
 

Global and national increases in syphilis infection, particularly amongst women of reproductive age, constitute a public health emergency. Those populations experiencing adverse social determinants are at higher risk. To address this, a pilot was implemented for delivering syphilis rapid testing through street-based nursing outreach programs serving the homeless. The results of this pilot demonstrated the challenges and successes for a street-based syphilis testing service and how it might become integrated into routine care.

This article belongs to the collection: Quality Improvement and Evaluation in Primary Health Care.

PY24188 Abstract  | PDF (190 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2025

PY24210The HARMONY trial: assessing general practitioner knowledge, attitudes and confidence following culturally safe domestic violence and abuse training

Molly Allen-Leap, Angela Taft, Felicity Young, Leesa Hooker and Kelsey Hegarty
 

Domestic violence and abuse impacts one-third of women globally, and greatly affects women’s health and wellbeing. Migrant/refugee women are at greater risk of domestic violence and abuse, and experience additional barriers to accessing support compared with non-migrant/refugee women. The HARMONY study was a randomised controlled trial that included delivering culturally safe domestic violence training to general practices. The training aimed to enhance culturally safe practices when supporting women identified as experiencing domestic violence.

This article belongs to the collection: Quality Improvement and Evaluation in Primary Health Care.

PY24210 Abstract  |  PY24210 Full Text  | PY24210PDF (251 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 May 2025

PY24051Healthcare workers’ perspectives on the implementation of tuberculosis infection prevention and control policy in rural Papua New Guinea

Gigil Marme 0000-0002-4836-5610, Jerzy Kuzma, Peta-Anne Zimmerman, Shannon Rutherford and Neil Harris
 

Implementing tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control guidelines can be ineffective in resource-constrained primary healthcare facilities. Yet, there is little agreement on what strategies are most important for effective TB infection prevention and control practices. It is, therefore, crucial to learn from healthcare workers employed in TB control programs about the important strategies to improve the implementation of TB- infection prevention and control guidelines.

PY24051 Abstract  |  PY24051 Full Text  | PY24051PDF (422 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 April 2025

PY24223Leading the way: the contribution of Aboriginal community controlled health organisations to community health in Australia

Tamara Mackean, Toby Freeman 0000-0002-2787-8580, Connie Musolino, Denise Fry, Colin MacDougall, Virginia Lewis 0000-0001-7802-625X and Fran Baum
 

The Aboriginal community controlled health organisation sector in Australia emerged from social movements for Aboriginal self-determination before the Declaration of the Alma Ata, developing a model of community health that was community led, provided holistic care and took action on social determinants of health. Our findings from interviews with community health actors since the 1970s documented these strengths, and how they influenced generalist community health. The sector remains a strong example of community health relevant to all Australians.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY24223 Abstract  |  PY24223 Full Text  | PY24223PDF (269 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 April 2025

PY24098The role of general practice to address the supportive care needs of Australian cancer survivors: a qualitative study

Olivia Bellas 0000-0002-7067-6925, Emma Kemp 0000-0001-5664-8031, Jackie Roseleur 0000-0003-4990-1312, Laura C. Edney 0000-0002-2447-4118, Candice Oster 0000-0002-8214-3704 and Jonathan Karnon 0000-0003-3220-2099
 

Cancer survivors in Australia often face ongoing physical, emotional, and practical challenges, yet their supportive care needs are not consistently met in general practice. This study highlights key barriers for general practitioners and nurses, including limited time, lack of clear processes, and poor communication between healthcare providers, while identifying solutions such as better training, improved information sharing, and greater support for nurses. Strengthening these areas could enhance care, improving quality of life and long-term health outcomes for cancer survivors.

PY24098 Abstract  |  PY24098 Full Text  | PY24098PDF (455 KB)  | PY24098Supplementary Material (612 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

PY24169Contraceptive counselling in regions of Victoria with high incidence of teenage pregnancy: general practitioners’ insights

Jessica R. Botfield, Greasha Rathnasekara, Danielle Mazza, Elodie Bernard and Cathy J. Watson
 

We interviewed 18 GPs from regions in Victoria, Australia, with teenage pregnancy rates higher than the state average regarding their experiences of contraceptive counselling. GP participants recognised an unmet need for contraception information and care among teenagers in their region. Facilitating access to all methods of effective contraception for teenagers will require addressing misunderstandings among GPs regarding the suitability of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and increasing the number of IUD-inserting GPs. Normalising contraception discussions as part of routine care for teenagers will further support decision making and uptake.

PY24169 Abstract  |  PY24169 Full Text  | PY24169PDF (214 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

PY25009Health promotion activities in Ontario Community Health Centres: a descriptive report

Sara Bhatti and Jennifer Rayner
 

Health promotion as an upstream approach can relieve pressure on the healthcare system, reduce disease prevalence and health inequities all while being cost-effective. Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Ontario, Canada have been delivering health promotion programming as part of their model of comprehensive primary health care to communities for decades. However, greater investments in health promotion are needed if we want to support and sustain our healthcare systems.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY25009 Abstract  |  PY25009 Full Text  | PY25009PDF (294 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

PY24142Factors influencing uptake and sustained utility of HealthPathways in Australian general practice: a qualitative study

Susan Saldanha 0000-0002-6699-3688, Riki Lane 0000-0002-3334-5545, Sharon Clifford, Prisha Dadoo, Chris Barton 0000-0001-9823-7425 and Grant Russell 0000-0003-3773-2355
 

General practitioners rely on fast, trustworthy guidance to make clinical decisions, and HealthPathways is one tool designed to help. This study explored why some doctors use it regularly while others don’t, uncovering gaps in awareness, mixed motivations, and technical barriers that affect its usefulness. The findings point to the need for better system design and stronger support to help digital tools like HealthPathways become a routine part of patient care.

PY24142 Abstract  |  PY24142 Full Text  | PY24142PDF (252 KB)  | PY24142Supplementary Material (294 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 March 2025

PY24132Developing a preconception medical record audit tool for general practice: a multimethod study

Nishadi N. Withanage, Jessica R. Botfield, Sharon James, Kirsten I. Black, Sharon Cameron and Danielle Mazza
 

Primary care can provide preconception care (PCC) to address behavioural, biomedical, and social risks, improving pregnancy outcomes. PCC could be more effective if electronic medical records identified at-risk patients. There is limited evidence on which preconception risk factors are documented in general practice records. Our study’s tool enables researchers to audit these records, improving understanding of documentation quality. It also supports developing a screening process using existing tools to identify women who would benefit most from PCC.

PY24132 Abstract  |  PY24132 Full Text  | PY24132PDF (459 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

PY24194Community health in Victoria: a history of challenges, adaptations and potential

Virginia Lewis 0000-0001-7802-625X, Jennifer Macmillan, T. McBride and David Legge
 

A community health program was introduced in Australia 50 years ago, but Victoria is the only state that still maintains such a program. Through interviews with people involved in the sector over this time, the review of key documents and personal experience, we consider how the aspirations and commitment of the early pioneers have survived (and struggled to survive) political and social pressures over time. Additionally, we discuss ways to ensure a robust community health sector going forward.

This article belongs to the collection: Models of Community Health in Action.

PY24194 Abstract  |  PY24194 Full Text  | PY24194PDF (229 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 March 2025

PY24178Perceptions and willingness concerning the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in Australian healthcare services

Daniel Demant 0000-0003-3330-2972, Paul Byron, Deborah Debono, Suneel Jethani, Beth Goldblatt, Michael Thomson and Jo (River) River
 

This study explores the perceptions and willingness of Australian healthcare service users to provide sexual orientation and gender identity data. Findings reveal varying levels of willingness based on demographic factors and context, with LGBTQA+ participants showing a preference for inclusive collection methods. The study highlights the importance of sensitive and affirming approaches to sexual orientation and gender identity data collection to improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for diverse populations, informing policies for more inclusive healthcare practices.

PY24178 Abstract  |  PY24178 Full Text  | PY24178PDF (650 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

PY24104Mental health consumers and primary care providers co-designing improvements and innovations: a scoping review

Kathryn Thorburn 0000-0002-7383-874X, Bani Aadam, Shifra Waks, Brett Bellingham, Mark F. Harris, Karen R. Fisher 0000-0002-0828-6395 and Catherine Spooner 0000-0002-6741-5644
 

Co-design and co-production bring together service user and service provider expertise to improve and innovate healthcare practices and services. This scoping review sought to determine the scope of co-design and co-production between mental health consumers and primary care providers and the feasibility of these approaches for developing healthcare improvements. The review confirmed there is considerable scope for co-design and co-production at the intersection of mental health and primary care and much to learn from existing initiatives reported in this study.

PY24104 Abstract  |  PY24104 Full Text  | PY24104PDF (452 KB)  | PY24104Supplementary Material (922 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 March 2025

PY24090The role of general practitioners in the follow-up of positive results from the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – a scoping review

Jane Gaspar, Caroline Bulsara, Diane Arnold-Reed 0000-0002-2469-3820, Karen Taylor and Anne Williams
 

The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. There is limited literature on the role and processes of general practitioners subsequent to a positive test result as part of the program. This scoping review seeks to gain insight into this important step and enhance general practitioner involvement in the NBCSP.

PY24090 Abstract  |  PY24090 Full Text  | PY24090PDF (730 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

PY24116Maximising the potential of type 2 diabetes remission: scale up and sustainability considerations from the DiRECT-Aus implementation trial

Nilakshi Gunatillaka 0009-0006-0826-9719, Jenny Advocat, Lauren Ball 0000-0002-5394-0931, Terry Haines, Cylie Williams, Tze Lin Chai, Mitchell Bowden, Melissa Savaglio, Kate Gudorf and Elizabeth Sturgiss
 

Aiming for remission is a novel approach to type 2 diabetes management that can improve patients’ overall health and wellbeing. The UK’s ‘Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial’ (DiRECT) was adapted and tested in Australia. This implementation study found that DiRECT-Aus was acceptable to both patients and clinicians, and offers policy-relevant funding and workforce recommendations for scale up within Australian primary care settings.

PY24116 Abstract  |  PY24116 Full Text  | PY24116PDF (488 KB)  | PY24116Supplementary Material (378 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Australian Journal of Primary Health Top Downloads 2024

The Australian Journal of Primary Health (AJPH) presents the 2024 most downloaded papers from across all issues and special issues. These highly accessed papers reflect the scope of the AJPH to be a leading voice highlighting the key innovations and new knowledge across primary health care (PHC). This list of 20 papers emphasises the PHC communities focus on comprehensive, whole-person care that is responsive to the needs of the community.

Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Liz Sturgiss (Bond University)

Last Updated: 28 Apr 2025

Models of Community Health in Action

This collection explores the power and potential of community health care to strengthen health systems and improve population health and wellbeing. Papers in the collection will highlight a variety of models, programs, policies and approaches to community health and examine their past, current and possible future contributions.

Collection in progress

Collection Editors
Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Fran Baum (University of Adelaide)
Connie Musolino (University of Adelaide)

Last Updated: 14 Apr 2025

Access to Primary Health Care

This collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health papers focuses on access to care. The papers showcase a variety of topics and illustrate new approaches to working with allied health clinicians, policy change to improve access to oral health and workforce capability, and a theory-informed approach to data analysis. This collection documents current experiences of access to care among different populations and highlights new approaches and models to improve access.

All papers in this collection are published Open Access and free to read.

Collection Editors
Annette Peart (Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University)
Sabuj Kanti Mistry (School of Population Health, University of New South Wales)
Siân Slade (Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne)

Last Updated: 13 Aug 2024

Australian Journal of Primary Health Top Downloads 2022/23

This Collection demonstrates the depth and breadth of research in primary health care. The wide ranging topics and the many methods that are needed to rigorously investigate the questions that matter to our communities. These 10 most downloaded papers from 2022 and 2023 demonstrate the broad scope of the AJPH and cover a range of issues influencing community health services and primary health care, particularly focused on comprehensive primary health care research, evidence-based practice and primary health care policy issues.

Virginia Lewis (La Trobe University)
Liz Sturgiss (Monash University)

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Improving Oral Health

The aim of this Collection is to highlight papers that describe health promoting interdisciplinary and professional team efforts to address various aspects of oral healthcare, including access, vulnerable groups and new models of service delivery. We hope this issue will encourage initiatives and research on the integration of non-dental professionals into oral health and putting the mouth back into the body.

Collection Editors
Dr Bradley Christian and Dr Ron Knevel

Last Updated: 18 Jul 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

This Collection focusses on research papers involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health which have been published in Australian Journal of Primary Health from around the country. We have included research papers which respond to community health priorities, and were authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Included papers used a variety of research methods including qualitative, quantitative, geospatial mapping, and systematic review methodology.

Collection Editors
Geoffrey Spurling, Catrina Felton-Busch and Sarah Larkins

Last Updated: 26 Oct 2018

Challenges in China’s Health System Reform: Lessons from Other Countries

Over the last three decades, there has been rapid development and modernisation of China’s tertiary hospitals, but the primary care system has been seriously weakened. We provided an overview of the major challenges in China’s health system reform in our recent Editorial (Liu and Legge 2017). This Collection of Australian Journal of Primary Health brings together 12 recent papers with relevance to these challenges.

Collection Editors
Chaojie Liu and David Legge

Last Updated: 11 Sep 2017

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Best Oral Paper Prize AAAPC 2024

Joanne Wong has been awarded the Best Oral Paper Prize for 2024.

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