HealthPathways: is an initiative for health professionals (not consumers) managed by each PHN that documents best practice clinical approaches for a wide range of specific health issues, as well as providing up to date information on local health care services providing services for each health issue. Examples include where to find a local Diabetes Foot Care Clinic, along with its opening hours and clinician details.
National Health Services Directory: is a nationally managed searchable database for health care providers that lists providers and where to find them. PHNs assist by supporting local updating of the NHSD with the providers in their area. Examples include finding an after hours pharmacy by suburb.
Commissioning Role of PHNs: as part of their brief to improve health care outcomes, PHNs do not provide health services directly themselves but are responsible for commissioning appropriate service providers and approaches to do this. Examples include the provision of after hours services, mental health services, alcohol and other drugs services and others.
Practice support services: one of the core functions of PHN is to support GPs and build the capacity of primary health care services so patients receive the best possible care. As part of this, they provide ongoing support (in person or via phone or email), training and resources to GPs and staff in a number of areas, including clinical programs, patient care quality, practice management systems, information management (including reminder recall systems), immunisation and cold chain management, government information and e-health.
