Regional commissioning means different things to different people and it moonlights under names such ‘as place-based commissioning’, ‘collaborative commissioning’ or ‘co-commissioning’.
True regional commissioning in a simplified form comprises 2 core components – joint regional planning and regional commissioning.
Joint regional planning
Before regional commissioning commences, it’s important to understand the needs of consumers, carers and the community, as well as what services are provided and by whom.
Research includes a detailed gap analysis of service demand (and likely growth in demand) versus supply of services.
This research is used to:
- collaboratively identify, prioritise and develop potential solutions
- draft and publish a joint regional plan with outcomes framework.
Regional commissioning
Regional commissioning offers a holistic approach to developing the best healthcare system for our communities. It’s inclusive nature is demonstrated through:
- a formalised approach to consumer and carer engagement
- co-designed solutions in partnership with carers, Aboriginal people and communities
- co-developed service navigation infrastructure, including formal and informal care pathways
- reporting to the public on progress against commitments.
- shared clinical governance arrangements.
To ensure its long-term effectiveness, regional commissioning also includes rigorous:
- procurement and contract management
- service monitoring and evaluation
- outcomes monitoring and reporting.