The project is being undertaken in three stages, the first two of which has been completed:
Stage 1 (March – July 2022) – scoping parameters.
The project team gathered information and engaged with leaders across the health system – via interviews, questionnaires and online hui – to establish the interest in, feasibility of, and parameters for such a network. There was strong support for establishing a network, and valuable suggestions about how it could operate.
Stage 2 (from October 2022) – constructing the Network
An advisory group will be established and community-based health providers will be invited to join the Network. Its focus, structure and needs will be defined through ongoing, collaborative co-design, emphasising mutual respect and bi-directional learning. Concurrent research will identify the implementation needs, facilitators and barriers of Network members.
Stage 3 (from April 2023) – active implementation
Limited funding is available for small-scale implementation pilots in several communities. Community providers that have identified a programme that matches their needs, and have the capacity to implement it, will be eligible for this funding as well as ongoing support from the Network to adapt and implement the programme. Concurrent research will be undertaken to understand the facilitators and barriers to effective implementation processes and outcomes.
If the Network is well received and effective, efforts to secure funding to sustain it beyond the life of this project will be a key focus in Stages 2 and 3.
