Health policy evaluation in rural and remote Australia: a qualitative exploration and lessons from the Northern Territory

Kate Raymond; Sally Nathan; Reema Harrison; Lois Meyer

doi:10.1071/AH22255

Health policy evaluation in rural and remote Australia: a qualitative exploration and lessons from the Northern Territory

Aust Health Rev. 2023 Apr;47(2):197-202. doi: 10.1071/AH22255.

Authors

Kate Raymond¹, Sally Nathan², Reema Harrison², Lois Meyer³

Affiliations

¹ Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, NT, Australia; and School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
² School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 36848616
DOI: 10.1071/AH22255

Abstract

Objective This study explored approaches of government policymakers to health policy evaluation (HPE) in Australian rural and remote settings. Methods Semi-structured interviews captured experiences and insights of 25 policymakers in the Northern Territory Department of Health. Data were thematically analysed using an inductive approach to coding and theme development. Results We identified five main themes about HPE in rural and remote settings: (1) centring the rural and remote context; (2) balancing ideology, power and evidence; (3) working with community; (4) strengthening policy workforce capabilities in monitoring and evaluation; and (5) valuing evaluation through leadership. Conclusion HPE is complex in any setting, however, policymakers navigate unique complexities in rural and remote health contexts. HPE can be enabled by developing policymaker and leadership capabilities in rural and remote settings and supporting co-design with communities.

MeSH terms

Administrative Personnel
Health Policy
Humans
Northern Territory
Rural Health Services*
Rural Population