Developing Primary Health Network Employee's Capability in Health and Social Care Commissioning

Primary care has strategic importance in Australia's complex health system, attracting one-third of the country's health budget. Primary Health Networks (PHNs), established in 2015 to act as commissioners for non-hospital health and social care across Australia, enable a more comprehensive health planning approach to identify and prioritise service gaps and commission appropriate health services. Hence, building PHNs' capability in health commissioning is critical to maximising health outcomes of the Australian population.

This study was conducted to identify the skill development needs of PHNs employees to lead and manage commissioning, and strategies to build commissioning capabilities across PHNs.

A multiphase mixed-method approach was used, including an anonymous online survey and two focus group discussions.

The health commissioning practices of PHNs directly affect PHN staff's confidence (Pearson's r=0.484, p<0.001) and self-perceived competence in their commissioning practices (Pearson's r=0.335, p<0.001). This study confirms that systematic upskilling commissioning among PHN employees, focusing on the commissioning cycle, complex healthcare environments, and data management, is required to improve their capabilities. This highlights the importance of organisational support in strengthening the six key factors for effective commissioning.

The enhancement of PHNs' capability in health commissioning should be centered around employees' capability building guided by the proposed PHN health commissioning capability building model. Organisation investment in performance monitoring and enhancement, organisations' multi-strategy approach towards internal support and development, and external learning and development opportunities are the three key pillars.

Enhancing robust commissioning processes and strengthening leadership capabilities in health commissioning are essential for PHNs to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population. Effective commissioning requires skilled and confident teams, systematic upskilling, organisational support, and strategic approaches to address challenges, deliver high-quality primary care, and improve population health outcomes. Building PHNs' commissioning capability requires a systematic and progressive skill development approach that prioritises a staff-centred model.