Australia has recently implemented an activity - based funding system for public hospitals. Policymakers and providers are keen to ensure that the price paid for health care services stimulates improvements in quality and safety , but some remain scept ical that this can be achieved through pricing mechanisms.

Dental diseases are a costly public health issue that disproportionately affect disadvantaged people.1,2 However in Australia, access to oral health care services is determined largely by the ability to pay. In recent years, there has been growing concern about inequities in access to care, with a particular focus on the length of time people are...

The research evidence shows that accreditation is a useful tool for stimulating improvements in the quality and safety of health services. Accreditation programs are deployed widely to monitor and promote safety and quality in healthcare. Governments, health service organisations and accreditation agencies have invested considerable resources into accreditation programs, but to date evidence of their...

The Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines recommend intensive case management for people with first-episode psychosis or an acute relapse of schizophrenia. Often initiated following discharge from hospital or transfer from community-based acute care, case management is a collaborative, community-based program designed to ensure people receive quality health care and integrated support services. Case...

Under Australian mental health laws, people with schizophrenia can only be involuntarily committed to a mental health facility if they are assessed and it is determined that their illness is making them dangerous to themselves or others.