Introduction: Health systems are facing a growing demand and burden contributed to by preventable chronic disease. This increasing disease burden requires comprehensive system reform to enable the reorientation of health services towards prevention. Frameworks have the potential to guide ongoing work and investment in preventive healthcare. Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state government’s statutory prevention agency, is leading this work in Queensland in partnership with key stakeholders across the health system.
Aim: To develop a framework to guide and support the ongoing delivery of sustainable and effective prevention approaches, investment and activities within healthcare settings in Queensland.
Methods: Statewide consultation stimulated by a draft framework was undertaken between September 2023 and May 2024. Recruitment targeted organisations in the public healthcare system (hospital and health services (HHSs) and primary health networks (PHNs)), state government departments, non-government and private healthcare stakeholders and industry organisations. Consultation followed a mixed-methods approach using surveys, hybrid in-person and online workshops and focus groups, written position statements and individual feedback. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using deductive and inductive coding. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative survey responses.
Results: 31 organisations engaged in consultation (~267 people representing 16 HHSs, seven PHNs, one state government department, five non-government or private healthcare stakeholders and two industry stakeholders). Qualitative analysis detailed 47 codes across 17 categories, ranging from ‘strategic alignment and integration’ to ‘the need for investment and commitment from all levels of healthcare’. Most survey respondents (78%) agreed with the framework’s proposed vision and purpose; 6% were concerned with the balance of investment across primary, secondary and tertiary care.
Conclusion: Consultation informed the development of a context-specific framework that will provide support, advocacy and awareness for preventive healthcare across Queensland. Next steps include extensive scoping, piloting and the development of governance structures to inform the implementation process.