Turning an idea into reality to improve patient care: the development of the Clinical Support Systems Program

The concept of the Clinical Support Systems Program (CSSP) was transformed from an idea into reality through the efforts of representatives of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. This collaboration involved developing common ground between two different perspectives: those of the funder/policy/administrative sector and those of the clinical practice world. Bridging these differences to establish an agreed approach to moving forward was a lengthy and difficult process. The process is aided by tension for change. Compromise, persistence and commitment to the end-goal by the parties involved were important features in building and maintaining the momentum of the change process. Many of the difficulties experienced could be traced to differences in decision-making processes between the clinical and the administrative paradigms. Knowledge brokers can assist in bridging the different languages and perspectives of the groups involved.